ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Former University of Denver men’s soccer player Kyle Christensen (Layton, Utah) was drafted with the 35th pick in Major League Soccer’s SuperDraft by Chivas USA on Thursday.

Christensen became the first DU player ever selected in the MLS SuperDraft, since Matt Harrell was drafted by the Colorado Rapids in the sixth round of the 2002 SuperDraft.

 

"I am extremely excited to get the chance to play at the next level, especially with a team that has had success in the league,” Christensen said. “I want to thank the Chivas USA organization and the coaching staff for giving me this opportunity.  None of this would have been possible without the support of my family, my teammates and especially my coaches.  I thank all of them for everything they have done for me and their support.  I look forward to making the most of the opportunity to be a professional. It has been a dream of mine since I first started playing."

 

Christensen was named the 2008 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year, as well as All-MPSF first team honors, the fourth year he has been recognized by the conference.

 

Christensen led the Pioneers to their first-ever MPSF championship in 2008, and the team advanced to the First Round of the NCAA Championship for the first time since 1970 after finishing the season 10-7-2 overall and 8-1-1 in the MPSF.

 

"I can't put into words how happy I am for Kyle and the DU Soccer program,” Denver head coach Bobby Muuss said. “Kyle is a tremendous man on and off the field, and I wish him the very best as he takes the next step in his soccer career.  Kyle has worked every day while here at DU to best represent himself his family and this program, and I am certain he will continue to do the same with Chivas."

 

Chivas head coach Preki said that Christensen’s performance at the MLS combine provided motivation to give the forward a chance.

 

"[Christensen] was one of the better guys at the combine," Chivas head coach Preki said. "So we felt he had something and felt we needed to bring him in and give him a shot."

 

Chivas USA advanced to the Western Conference Semifinals Series in 2008 before falling 3-2 on aggregate to Real Salt Lake.