READING UNITED TRIO SELECTED IN MLS SUPERDRAFT

Three former Reading United A.C. players saw their dreams of playing professional soccer become reality at the 2016 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. It was the seventh consecutive year that Reading United players were selected at the annual event that kicks off a new Major League Soccer campaign. Keegan Rosenberry and Jordan McCrary were first round selections, while Neco Brett was taken late in the second round.

Reading United captain Keegan Rosenberry was chosen by the Philadelphia Union with the 3rd overall pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft (Photo Courtesy of Penn Images/Dave Musante)

Keegan Rosenberry, a defender from Georgetown University and a Lancaster County native, was the first of United’s former players off the board when the Philadelphia Union selected the Reading captain with the third overall pick in the SuperDraft. Rosenberry saw his draft stock rise following an impressive showing at the pre-draft player combine. Touted as one of the most technically sound defenders in the draft, the Union were quick to grab the former Reading star. The Georgetown product will be expected to step in and contribute to a Union squad that is rebuilding ahead of the 2016 Major Leauge Soccer campaign.

Jordan McCrary, a defender from the University of North Carolina, was selected by the New England Revolution with the 10th overall pick. McCrary saw limited action for Reading United during the 2011 Premier Development League season before going on to play 86 career matches for the Tar Heels and helping the school win a national championship in 2011. The versatile defender will immediately challenge for minutes with the Revolution, who will look to bolster their depleted backline.

Neco Brett was selected by the reigning Major League Soccer champions, the Portland Timbers, with the 40th overall selection. Already on the radar of many Major League Soccer scouts because of his goal scoring exploits, Brett joined Reading United ahead of the 2015 Premier Development League campaign. A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Brett became Robert Morris University’s first ever All-American men’s soccer player following a college career in which he scored 42 goals. The former Reading United standout provides the reigning champions with important depth and versatility.

Reading United Director of Sales, George Gadebusch (L) and President Art Auchenbach with the newest member of the Philadelphia Union, Keegan Rosenberry. (Photo Courtesy of Penn Images/Dave Musante)

Following the draft procedings, Reading United A.C. President Art Auchenbach stated, “Once again we are pleased that Reading United alumni were part of the strong group of Premier Development League players recognized in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft.  The highlight for Reading United has to be seeing another year of former players taken in the top ten. I think the entire Philadelphia Union and Reading United family are ecstatic that Keegan Rosenberry will be able to ply his trade in front of his hometown fans and family.  We look forward to seeing Keegan & Josh Yaro, the Union’s second pick, continue their Georgetown success in front of Union coaches and fans.”

Auchenbach also paid tribute to the two other Reading alums taken in the draft when he said, “It’s also exciting for Jordan McCrary to continue his career with former Reading teammate Steve Neumann in New England. We feel that Neco Brett will pay dividends for Portland’s trust in taking him with the last pick of the draft day.” He concluded, “Overall, we’re very excited and honored that these three Reading alumni will have the chance to continue their professional career in Major League Soccer. Hopefully we will see a few more alums have their name selected in the supplemental rounds on Tuesday!”