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SMU MF Ben Shuleva was selected by FC Dallas with the 36th pick in the MLS Supplemental Draft. It will be interesting to see what happens to him. Soccer wise his choices are probably to sign with FC Dallas and try to make the roster or sign with a USL team. Last year Jay Needham decided to not sign with DC United who drafted him and went to the USL where he had a great season. If Ben made the roster with FC Dallas, then the question is how much if any playing time he would get.

Just saw that! Chevannes goes 36th to the Rapids, Shuleva to FC Dallas - I want an SMU soccer jersey with No. 36 on it.

Congratulations, Ben!

Here's the story from the SMU website:

SMU's Ben Shuleva Drafted by FC Dallas
Midfielder selected in supplemental draft's third round

DALLAS (SMU) - Ben Shuleva became the second SMU men's soccer player drafted by a Major League Soccer team when he was chosen Thursday in the third round (36th overall) of the MLS Supplemental Draft.

SMU defender Adrian Chevannes was chosen in the third round (also 36th overall) in the MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids.

Shuleva, a senior from Dublin, Ohio, anchored the defensive end of the Mustang midfield and had seven points on three goals and an assist. He scored both SMU goals in a 2-2 tie at Tulsa, earning Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week honors. A tri-captain for the Mustangs, Shuleva started 66 of his 78 games after transferring to SMU from St. John's.

Shuleva also led the Mustangs in the classroom, earning Conference USA All-Academic honors and being named third-team Academic All-America by CoSIDA and ESPN The Magazine.

Shuleva was one of two players selected in the supplemental draft by FC Dallas, who also grabbed Virginia's Yannick Reyering. The two squared off Sept. 7 at Westcott Field, when Shuleva and the Mustangs blasted then-No. 5 Virginia, 5-1.

FC Dallas has a history of drafting SMU players, including 2007 Supplemental Draft choice Chase Wileman, who spent the 2007 season on the FC Dallas Developmental roster.


SMU, the only Division I athletic program in Dallas, Texas, sponsors 17 sports and has been ranked as the top school in its conference for 10 straight years in the Director's Cup overall athletic rankings. More information about SMU and its coaches, athletes and teams is available at www.SMUMustangs.com.

That a boy Ben. That kid can make any roster. Coaches have to love his grit, being feisty, and constant maximum effort.

The problem he will have is making the developmental roster as a midfielder. They have a lot of young depth at midfield, it will be difficult for him to stick with the team.