Looking back at Penn soccer in the MLS Draft

 

Sometime in the coming week Penn soccer will hopefully add a fourth member to the professional ranks.

Senior Christian Barreiro, who attended and played at the MLS Combine, will look to be drafted in either Thursday's MLS SuperDraft or Monday's Supplemental Draft. His inclusion would add another chapter to the recent history of men's soccer players to play in the MLS. Here's a look at some of the others.

Alex Grendi, a midfielder, is fourth all-time on Penn’s career assists list with 20. He was drafted No. 45 overall in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft, made three appearances with the Columbus Crew and was cut after later that year. He now plays for the Wilmington Hammerheads in the USL Pro League.

Daniel Cepero finished as Penn’s career leader in shutouts with 23. Drafted by the New York Red Bulls in the fourth round of the 2007 Supplemental Draft, he was thrust into the starting job in late 2008 and made history by becoming the first keeper in MLS history to score a goal from open play. Cepero played another two years (making stints with the Philadelphia Union and a return trip to the Red Bulls) before retiring.

Matt Haefner, goalkeeper, was a third-team NSCAA/adidas Men’s Division I All-American and 2002 Ivy Player of the Year. The 6-foot-4 keeper was named to Penn’s All-Century team and was drafted in the sixth round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Columbus Crew, but never made any senior appearances for the club.

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