Men's Soccer Southern Conference

Davidson Has Two Players Selected in MLS Draft

DAVIDSON, N.C. - Davidson's Erik Ozimek and Dane Erickson were both
> drafted in the 2002 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on February 10. Ozimek
> was taken with the 49th pick while Erickson was chosen 64th.
>
> "This is a tremendous honor for Erik, Dane, their families and
> Davidson," said head coach Matt Spear. "Playing in Major League
> Soccer, the premier division in American soccer, has been a dream for
> both young men. Many people feel their excitement and pride, including
> all the teammates who played with them, plus the staff, professors and
> coaches, especially my predecessor Charlie Slagle, who helped to
> foster their growth."
>
> Ozimek, a native of Columbia, S.C., was drafted by the San Jose
> Earthquakes. He was named to the All-South Region's third team. He was
> named All-South for the second season becoming just the third Davidson
> player to ever capture that distinction twice. This season Ozimek was
> second on the team in points with 18. His eight assists tied for the
> team lead in 2001 while his five goals put him second on the team in
> that category. Although he played just two seasons at Davidson, he
> ranks in the top 10 in career assists and was also named
> all-conference in both seasons.
>
> "Davidson Soccer and the College salute this achievement for Erik and
> Dane, wishing each the best this season, and for the national
> recognition and energy that we all share," added Coach Spear.
>
> Erickson, a native of Littleton, Colo., was drafted by the Kansas City
> Wizards. He is a 2001 graduate of Davidson who has been playing
> professionally throughout Europe over the last year. Erickson served
> as team captain during his senior season and finished his Davidson
> career with 37 points on 10 goals and 17 assists in 74 career games.
>
> Both Ozimek and Erickson will start spring training this week with
> their respective teams in Florida. The two are joining successful
> clubs as Kansas City won the 2000 MLS Cup while San Jose won the 2001
> MLS Cup.
>
> Davidson was one of just nine schools in the 2002 SuperDraft to have
> multiple players chosen in the draft.
>
> The duo joins Rob Ukrop '93 as the only other Davidson players to be
> drafted by Major League Soccer. Ukrop, Davidson's all-time leading
> scorer, was a seventh-round selection (65th overall) of the New
> England Revolution. He scored the first two goals in Revolution
> history in the team's inaugural game.
>
> The Wildcats are coming off an 11-8 season and will have an exciting
> home schedule next season with visits from ACC-powers Clemson and Wake
> Forest, as well as South Carolina. The 'Cats will also renew its
> rivalry with North Carolina as they head to Chapel Hill for a match-up
> against the Tar Heels. Davidson will open its 2002 season in West
> Point, N.Y., at the Army Tournament.