MLS SuperDraft
SEATTLE (Jan. 17) – Kyle Bjornethun of Seattle University men’s soccer was selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the fourth round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft. Bjornethun is the third player in program history to be picked in the MLS SuperDraft.
The senior defender was taken with the 22nd pick in the fourth round of the draft, which concluded on Tuesday. Bjornethun was a member of the Sounders’ Youth Academy.
“I’m thrilled for Kyle,” said Coach Pete Fewing. “He gets to stay home and play in a familiar environment. He’s going into a situation where he has a better understanding of the team than any other.”
The Snohomish, Washington, native earned Western Athletic Conference (WAC) Defensive Player of the Year honors in 2015 and 2016, helping the Redhawks advance to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 in the 2015 season. Bjornethun was WAC Rookie of the Year and All-WAC First Team three times during his career at SU. He started all 86 games in his career, playing every minute for the Redhawks.
Bjornethun joins Sean Morris and Tom Hardy as Seattle U players who were drafted by the MLS. Morris was the 99th pick (Seattle) in the 2011 Draft and Hardy was 20th choice (Kansas City) in the 1998 Draft.
Bjornethun will head to Sounders’ camp starting on Jan. 23, looking to earn a spot on the roster. Sounders FC won the 2016 MLS Cup.
“I think he has a good opportunity,” said Fewing. “I’m very pleased for he and his family.