Furman’s Ontiveros invited to MLS Combine

GREENVILLE, S.C. – Furman men’s soccer standout Martin Ontiveros has been invited to take part in the 2014 adidas Major League Soccer Player Combine, which will be held Friday in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Ontiveros, who played three years in the Paladin midfield after transferring from Akron, was one of six players added to the list of combine attendees this week. The Pharr, Texas, native was a three-time All-Southern Conference choice and two-time NSCAA All-South Region selection as a Paladin. He tallied 18 goals and added 20 assists 59 matches at Furman, including four goals and five assists for a 2013 Paladin squad that posted an 11-5-2 record.

The 2014 MLS SuperDraft takes place on Jan. 16 and will air live on ESPNEWS at 12 p.m.

NOTES: Furman defender Trevor Haberkorn is currently in camp with the United States U-20 National Team in Lakewood Ranch, Fla. The squad is preparing for the 2015 FIFA U-20 World Cup, scheduled for May 30-June 20, 2015, in New Zealand.

Georgia Southern’s Valikonis invited to USL Pro Combine

STATESBORO, Ga. – Later this month, former Georgia Southern men’s soccer defender Thomas Valikonis will get a chance to show his skills at the 2014 USL Pro Combine at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.

The combine gives elite soccer players an opportunity to show their skills for both domestic and international scouts as well as professional coaches. The combine runs Jan. 23-26 and is in its eighth year.

“Playing soccer professionally is something that I have dreamed about since I was a child,” said Valikonis. “I’m looking forward to having the opportunity show my skills later this month.”

Valikonis played in the summers for SC United Bantams of the USL’s Premiere Development League.