Jan. 18, 2008
BALTIMORE, Md. -- With the 14th selection in the first round of the 2008 MLS SuperDraft David Horst became Old Dominion's first ever 1st round draft pick. Horst, an All-American defender, was selected 14th overall by Real Salt Lake and was followed shortly thereafter by Yomby William, drafted 23rd overall by the Kansas City Wizards. It is the first time in program history that two players were drafted in the SuperDraft.
"To get a 1st Round pick is fabulous," said head coach Alan Dawson. "It's great for Dave, it's great for the program. It's tremendous for him, it really is a testament to his ability and the Old Dominion soccer program for him to be selected in the first round."
Horst becomes just the second Monarch ever drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, following former teammate Edson Elcock in last season's draft. The 6-4, 200 lb defender was the first player ever named back-to-back CAA Defender of the Year. He became the all-time leader in games played and started this season for the Monarchs, which included back-to-back trips to the NCAA Round of 16.
"The whole thing was nervewracking," said the Pine Grove, Pennsylvania native. "I was very nervous as my family and Coach Dawson was here with me, but then I got picked and it was just so exciting."
Horst was the sixth Monarch All-American in the last five years as he anchored one of the best defense's in program history. This season, the Monarchs posted 12 shutouts and a 0.63 goals against average behind Horst's leadership on the back line.
"I'm extremely excited, and proud, to be ODU's first ever first round pick," Horst said.
Fellow senior and backline teammate Yomby William added to the already historic day for the ODU men's soccer program. William's selection by the Wizards just nine picks later made it the first time in history ODU is able to boast two draft picks in the MLS SuperDraft. William was selected 23rd overall by the Kansas City club.
The 6-4, 185 lb defender from Cameroon was an essential piece to the Monarchs successful defense this year as well. He was named to the 2007 CAA All-Tournament Team and was a second team All-CAA selection this season. Yomby was the third player selected by Kansas City in the draft, behind #1 overall pick Chance Myers (UCLA) and #11 overall pick Roger Ezpinosa.
NOTE: ODU alum Carlos Mendes ('01) is currently a starter for the New York Red Bulls.