Tulsa’s Chris Taylor Selected as No. 22 MLS Draft Pick Today
Tulsa, Oklahoma – University of Tulsa men’s soccer standout Chris Taylor was selected in the second round as the No. 22 overall pick in today’s Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Taylor was picked up by the Portland Timbers.
“I am absolutely elated,” Taylor said. “It is a dream come true. Since I was four years old, I haven’t missed a season. I am looking forward to getting to Portland and having the opportunity to play. Portland is an expansion team so I am looking forward to proving myself and fighting for a starting spot. I had a good combine and I made the showcase at left-back. I am super-excited about the chance to play soccer, a sport I love, for my job.”
Taylor was a four-year letterwinner who started 81 of 82 career contests. He scored eight goals, four of which were game-winners, and 17 assists for 33 points from his defender position. Taylor picked up all-Conference accolades as a sophomore, junior and senior, and was tabbed to the All-Freshman team. He was also a two-time NSCAA All-Midwest Region selection.
Off the field, Taylor was a two-time The Magazine CoSIDA Academic All-District first team honoree, and picked up both Tulsa and C- academic accolades all four years. He graduated in December with a degree in management with a specialization in entrepreneurship and family business.
“I think it is a well-deserved honor for Chris,” Tulsa Head Coach Tom McIntosh said. “Obviously, I am proud of him. He is certainly one of the top passers in the back and I am excited for him to go to Portland and have the opportunity to play with former TU great Ryan Pore (2002-04).”
Tulsa All-Time Draftees
Year Name Round Overall Pick Team
2005 Ryan Pore 2 16 Kansas City
2006 Kyle Brown 3 35 New England
2006* Lawson Vaughn 3 25 Chivas
2006* Daniel Wasson 4 38 Colorado
2008 Dominic Cervi 1 12 Chicago
2009 Tyrel Lacey 4 55 New England
2009 Chris Clements 4 60 Columbus
2010 Chris Taylor 2 22 Portland
- indicates Supplemental Draft
Updated 01-13-2011
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