Two Notre Dame men's soccer players were drafted in the first round of Major League Soccer's 2013 SuperDraft on Thursday.
The Columbus Crew selected senior forward Ryan Finley with the ninth overall selection. Two picks later, the Colorado Rapids selected senior midfielder Dillon Powers. This is the first year two Irish players have been selected in the first round.
Finley played his first two collegiate seasons at Duke before transferring to Notre Dame. Despite coming off the bench in all 22 matches this season, he led the team in both goals (21) and points (46). Both those totals were also second nationally. His 21 goals were the fifth-highest single season total in program history.
Powers served as a team captain for the second straight season, and started all 22 games. He finished with career-highs in goals (five), assists (nine), and points (19). Three of his goals were game-winners.
Both players finished their senior seasons on the NSCAA All-America First Team and All-Big East First Team and helped the Irish to 17 wins, Notre Dame's highest total in a season since 1988.
