Here's the release from UConn about UConn Huskies men's soccer player Carlos Alvarez being drafted No. 2 overall by Chivas USA in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.
STORRS, Conn. – University of Connecticut senior Carlos Alvarez was selected No. 2 overall by Chivas USA in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon in Indianapolis, Ind. Alvarez is UConn's 26th overall selection in the MLS Draft and ninth first-round selection.
"Carlos is a terrific young man, an incredible player that deserves everything he's earning right now," said UConn Head Coach Ray Reid. "He had opportunities to leave school early and knew the best way for him to succeed at the professional level was to continue to work on his game in college. Carlos stayed at UConn four years and now he gets to live his dream of playing professional soccer with the exact club he's wanted all along and he's also earned a great contract in the process."
"I'm so proud of Carlos for staying at UConn all four years and doing everything that a student-athlete can do. To say we'll miss him at UConn is an understatement."
Alvarez, a native of Los Angeles, Calif., stated early in the draft process that he wanted to play for Chivas USA. Alvarez's father played professionally for Chivas Guadalajara in Mexico. Chivas USA is based out of Carson, Calif., a suburb of Los Angeles.
"I had an unbelievable career in Storrs. The coaching staff was incredible. I learned so much from them," said Alvarez. "Honestly, that's the best coaching staff I've ever been with since I started playing soccer. I owe everything to them – the strength and conditioning coach too (Chris West). I came in weighing 135, I left weighing 172. That tells you a lot about the program. The way they work. In the spring we do double sessions and wake up at 5:45 to train. A lot of schools say they train hard, but I don't think they trained like we did at UConn. That's why it's such a successful program."
Alvarez was a two-time NSCAA Second Team All-American and the 2012 BIG EAST Midfielder of the Year. Alvarez led UConn to the 2009 and 2012 BIG EAST Regular Season Championship and finished his career third all-time at Connecticut with 42 assists. His 82 points placed him No. 14 all-time. As a senior, Alvarez notched seven goals and nine assists for 23 points. A two-time All-BIG EAST First Team selection, Alvarez was named 2009 BIG EAST Rookie of the Year.
UConn had two first round selections in 2012 with Andrew Jean-Baptiste drafted No. 8 overall by the Portland Timbers and Tony Cascio chosen No. 14 by the Colorado Rapids. Nickardo Blake was selected No. 14 in first round of the supplemental draft by Toronto FC.
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