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1/15/2009 - MEN'S SOCCER
Campbell's Jata Selected by Chicago in MLS Draft
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BUIES CREEK, N.C. - All-American Richard Jata of Campbell University was selected by the Chicago Fire in the fourth round of Thursday’s Major League Soccer Super Draft. He is the first Fighting Camel chosen by an MLS club since Willy Guadarrama was tabbed by the Kansas City Wizards in the fourth round of the 2007 supplemental draft.
A second-team All-America choice by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) and first-team All-South Region pick, Jata played a vital role for the 2008 Fighting Camel squad that won its second A-Sun regular season championship and made its third trip to the league final in the last four years.
“It was getting closer and closer to the end of the draft, and I put my head down and prayed,” said Jata, a native of Clearwater, Fla. “It was one of the best feelings I’ve ever felt, a dream come true. It’s just an unbelievable feeling to finally reach my dream of becoming a pro. It’s very fulfilling, and I’m very grateful I had this opportunity and glad Chicago saw something in me.”
Jata was one of four players selected by the Fire on Thursday. Midfielder Baggio Husidic from Illinois-Chicago went in the second round, 20th overall, followed by defender David Sias of Cal-Irvine with the 43rd selection. Chicago tabbed midfielder Jokull Elisabetarson of UNC Greensboro with the 52nd selection, then chose Jata with the 58th overall pick.
The Fire was without a first-round choice after it traded its top selection last summer to Toronto FC for the rights to U.S. National striker Brian McBride.
“I’m extremely pleased for Richard,” said Campbell head coach Doug Hess. “It’s been a dream for him to play pro soccer. I’m just excited that he’s going to have the opportunity to show what he can do. He’s an extremely gifted player we all at Campbell certainly wish him the best as he pursues his professional career.”
In addition to his All-America and All-South honors, Jata was named 2008 Atlantic Sun Conference player of the year and added first-team all-conference honors for the third-straight season. The native of Port Richey, Fla., scored a career-high 28 points in 17 matches on 12 goals and four assists to lead the A-Sun goals (0.71) and points (1.65) per game.
