3 Mustangs selected in MLS SuperDraft

[PonyPride]

From SMUMustangs.com:

Three Mustangs Selected In 2025 MLS SuperDraft

DALLAS (SMU) – Three SMU Men's Soccer players were selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft on Dec. 20. Nikola Djordjevic, Cesar Ruvalcaba and Bailey Sparks were all selected in round two.

This is the sixth time in program history that three Mustangs have been drafted to the MLS in one year (1996, 2002, 2011, 2012, and 2021).

Nikola Djordjevic | Vancouver White Caps FC
Djordjevic was the first Mustang to get selected. He was the 15th pick of the second round (45th overall) and is set to join the Vancouver White Caps FC.

The right back played a crucial role, starting in all 21 matches, on the Mustangs' 2024 team that made it to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Championship. By the numbers, Djordjevic provided five assists and one goal this past season.

Djordjevic made 35 starts in 38 appearances in his three years competing for SMU. He has two goals and 12 assists in his career as a Mustang.

The Austin native earned American Athletic Conference All-Rookie Team honors in 2022.

Bailey Sparks | Inter Miami CF
Inter Miami CF selected Sparks as the number 22 pick of the second round (52 overall).

Sparks started in all 21 matches for SMU this season and led the team with nine goals and 10 assists to be named All-American in his second consecutive season. His endeavors earned him the First Team All-ACC, United Soccer Coaches All-South Region First Team and All-America Second Team honors.

The two-time All-American was named a semifinalist for the 2024 MAC Hermann Trophy.

The Plano native concluded his four-year career at SMU with 14 goals and 18 assists through 72 appearances and 63 starts. He made a total of 46 points throughout his career.

In previous seasons, Sparks have also been named AAC All-Rookie Team (2021), AAC Midfielder of the Year (2023), All-East Region First Team (2023) and All-American Second Team (2023).

Cesar Ruvalcaba | Columbus Crew
Ruvalcaba was selected by the Columbus Crew as the number 21 pick in the second round (51st overall).

The California native joined the Mustangs before the 2024 season and made an instant impact by leading SMU's defensive line to seven clean sheets this past season. Along with his defensive prowess, Ruvalcaba scored one goal for SMU.

Prior to SMU, Ruvalcaba served as a team captain for Cal Poly Pomona and led the Broncos to their ninth NCAA Division II Tournament appearance.

[Horseshoe]

Hard to believe Pinho didn't get drafted. Some team is going to be very happy to get him.

That is four absolute stud seniors we have to replace.