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Two former USF men’s soccer players were drafted this afternoon in the second round of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
First, forward Marcus Epps was drafted 25th overall by the Philadelphia Union after the Union traded with expansion Minnesota FC, moving up 17 places to get him.
With the 25th overall pick, @PhilaUnion select @USFMSOC midfielder Marcus Epps. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/5kCIgOugb7
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 13, 2017
Given the Union’s bold move to pick him, he might be seen as part of the club’s future plans.
Midfielder Lindo Mfeka was picked by the San Jose Earthquakes just a few moments later at #28.
No. 28 overall: @SJEarthquakes select @USFMSOC midfielder Lindo Mfeka. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/uRUSTwl9Vq
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 13, 2017
Lindo was also highlighted yesterday for a goal he scored in the MLS Combine:
Ending the @adidassoccer #MLSCombine on a (very) high note.
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 13, 2017
Goal #1: @Bronibro13
Goal #2: @ImJuicyJay_
Goal #3: Lindo Mfeka pic.twitter.com/HbiMGLxrkI
There are still four former USF players left on the board after the first day, which lasted two rounds. Keeper Spasoje Stefanovic, forward Nazeem Bartman, forward Melvin Becket and midfielder Michael Bajza are all still available for selection in the four-round SuperDraft. It continues Tuesday, January 17 over a conference call. Best of luck to the remaining Bulls.
Update 1/18/17
Star striker Nazeem Bartman is heading to Canada after being picked in the 4th round by the Vancouver Whitecaps.
With our fourth and final pick of the 2017 #SuperDraft, #VWFC select University of South Florida's Nazeem Bartman. pic.twitter.com/gGEm8eMRwO
— Vancouver Whitecaps (@WhitecapsFC) January 17, 2017
Touted by some as “the next Dom Dwyer,” he’ll have a bit of work to do before he breaks into Vancouver’s A Team. However, with so many teams passing in the late rounds, it’s a good sign that the Whitecaps saw something in him worth rolling the dice on.