Walking on the pitch in front of 53,000 chanting fans to play in the MLS Cup is every collegiate soccer players dream. The MLS Draft is where that dream begins.
Every January, hundreds of collegiate soccer players with professional hopes wait to hear their name called on draft day. It's no secret that VCU Men's Soccer is a program that has garnered national attention and the attention of MLS teams across the country. The Rams have become deeply intertwined with the MLS Draft.
Over the last eight years, an impressive eight Rams have been taken in the MLS Draft. In fact, VCU has had an athlete called in each of the last six drafts. The men's soccer program has truly been a pipeline to the pros, with 10 total draft picks since 2005, seven of which have been coached by current Head Coach Dave Giffard. Under Giffard, VCU plays a style that has historically lent itself well to the MLS game.
VCU MLS SuperDraft History
Ryo Shimazaki – 2020
VCU's most recent draft pick was this January in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Shimazaki was selected by Columbus Crew SC as the 59th overall pick, the seventh pick in the third round. Shimazaki had a stellar career for the Rams from 2016-2019. In his 69 appearances for the Black and Gold, his versatile outside back role allowed him to score seven goals and dish out six assists.
Siad Haji – 2019
Siad Haji made history when he was the second overall pick in the 2019 SuperDraft by the San Jose Earthquakes. He was drafted higher than any athlete of any sport in VCU's history and tied for the highest in Atlantic 10 history. Haji inked a Generation Adidas contract prior to the draft as he was identified as one of the top collegiate underclassmen. In his two-year career in the Black & Gold, he scored seven goals and 18 assists. Haji was named an All-American, All-Region First Team member and Atlantic 10 Midfielder of the Year. As a rookie with the Earthquakes, Haji played in four matches and was in the gameday 18-member squad 20 times.
Rafael Andrade Santos - 2018
Rafael Andrade Santos heard his name called in the fourth round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft by D.C. United. The Brazilian flourished in his time at VCU, scoring 20 goals and dishing out nine assists. He was an All-American, A-10 Player of the Year, three-time All-Atlantic 10 Team member and an NSCAA and United Soccer Coaches All-Region member. Santos has made 16 professional appearances and has scored two goals during that time.
Dakota Barnathan – 2017
FC Dallas selected Dakota Barnathan in the third round of the 2017 SuperDraft. Barnathan was stellar in his career at VCU, helping guide the Rams to two-consecutive A-10 Conference Championship Matches. He was an A-10 First Team member and All-Rookie selection in his time at VCU. Even though he has battled injury, Barnathan has made 25 pro appearances, spending last season with Ottawa Fury.
Dennis Castillo – 2016
VCU star defender Dennis Castillo was selected in the second round of the 2017 SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. The Atlantic 10 Defensive Player of the Year and four-time All-Conference selection was also a member of Costa Rica's national team while at VCU. After spending one season with Colorado, Castillo took his talents to Costa Rica's first division, where he has made a name for himself with Pérez Zeledón. In 45 appearances, he has scored four goals.
Kharlton Belmar – 2015
The 34th overall pick in the 2015 SuperDraft, Kharlton Belmar was a standout at VCU. He racked up 18 goals and five assists and multiple All-Atlantic 10 honors, VaSID and All-Region honors. The forward has had an impressive career, collecting 140 professional appearances and 41 goals. Belmar spent his first two seasons with Portland and spent another two seasons in the Sporting Kansas City organization. He spent last season with Nashville SC, where he appeared in 33 matches and scored three goals.
Jason Johnson – 2013
One of The Rams' best forwards in recent history, Jason Johnson was selected 13th overall by Houston Dynamo in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft after signing a Generation Adidas contract. In his three seasons at VCU, he scored 28 goals and was credited with 10 assists. The forward was twice All-CAA, All-Region and an All-Atlantic 10 honoree. He has made a name for himself in U.S. Soccer with151 professional appearances and 30 professional goals. He has spent time with MLS sides Houston Dynamo and Chicago Fire. Most recently, he was a member of the record-breaking Phoenix Rising team and has three caps for the Jamaican National Team.
Juan Arbalaez - 2013
Two-year member of VCU Men's Soccer, Juan Arbalaez was taken in the third round of the MLS Supplemental Draft by Montreal Impact. Arbalaez was a regular starter for the 2012 squad that had a breakthrough season, reaching the 2012 NCAA Tournament and a No. 25 ranking for the first time since 2004. Arbalaez would eventually return to Richmond to play for the Richmond Kickers, making 29 appearances for the club.
Dominic Oduro – 2006
One of VCU's greats, Dominic Oduro was taken in the second round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas. While at VCU, Oduro scored 18 goals and earned five assists. The CAA Player of the Year was an All-American and helped the Rams reach the quarterfinals of the 2004 NCAA Tournament. Oduro has had a long and storied career, garnering respect from around the MLS. He made 70 appearances and scored nine goals for his first club FC Dallas. He went on to play for seven MLS sides, making multiple appearances with each club. All told, Oduro has made 379 professional appearances and has found the back of the net 71 times.
Stephen Shirley - 2006
Stephen Shirley was taken in the second round of the 2006 SuperDraft by the Kansas City Wizards. He transferred to VCU for his final two seasons and helped VCU to the 2004 NCAA Tournament quarterfinals. Shirley spent a season with Kansas City before signing with the Rochester Rhinos. He continued his professional career for three years in his home country, Scotland.
Helmis Matute – 2005
Helmis Matute was selected in the second round of the 2005 Supplemental draft by Chivas USA. Matute was a mainstay in the VCU starting lineup for his final two seasons before turning professional.
Gonzalo Segares – 2005
One of the best to don a VCU Uniform, Gonzalo Segares was chosen in the third round of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft by Chicago Fire. The three-time All-CAA selection, two-time CAA Defensive Player of the Year, All-American and finalist for the Hermann Trophy continued his success into the professional ranks. Perhaps VCU's most successful professional, he made more than 250 appearances with the Fire during his decade-long career. He was Chicago's Defender of the Year in 2007 and helped lead the club to the 2006 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup title. He also earned 19 caps with the Costa Rican National Team and qualified for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Segares was recently appointed head coach of the U.S. Under-15 Boys' National Team by U.S. Soccer.
