Michael Nelson Selected in Fourth Round of MLS Draft

BALTIMORE -- Old Dominion defender Michael Nelson was the selected in the fourth round by Seattle Sounders FC in the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday. 

“This is a surreal feeling,” said Nelson. “I can not thank the ODU coaching staff enough. They gave me this chance and I would not be here without them. I can not thank my teammates enough as well. They made me a better player and a better person in my three years here.”

Nelson, a team captain and all-conference selection this past season, was selected with the 76th overall pick of the draft and the 15th selection of the fourth round.

The Austin, Texas, native played three years with the Monarchs after transferring from NC State following his freshman year. Nelson started all but two games in his ODU career, garnering first team All-Conference USA and All-Region accolades during his senior campaign this past fall.

“We are very proud of Michael as a coaching staff to see him fulfill a dream,” said head coach Alan Dawson. “He has worked very hard for this moment and his dedication to his craft has paid off. He serves as a great example to our current players of what can be achieved with hard work. We will be watching his progress as a professional and wish him much success.”

The Monarchs have had 10 players drafted to the MLS in the last 10 years and have now had players selected in consecutive drafts after Sidney Rivera was selected in the fourth round by Orlando City in last year’s draft. Follow all of the 'Monarchs In The Pros' here.

For more information on the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, visit MLSSoccer.com.