Akron's Joao Moutinho Selected First Overall in 2018 MLS Super Draft
Story Courtesy of Akron Sports Information
PHILADELPHIA, Pa. – University of Akron men's soccer freshman Joao Moutinho (Lisbon, Portugal) became the only second Zip to go No. 1 overall in the MLS SuperDraft in program history with his selection by Los Angeles FC on Friday, Jan. 19.
Moutinho, a member of a talented 2018 Generation adidas class, became the 13th Zip to be drafted during the first round of the MLS SuperDraft. Moutinho joins Steve Zakuani (2009) as the second Akron player to be drafted No. 1, as Zakuani was the top pick for the Seattle Sounders in 2009.
"It's a roller coaster of emotions to be honest," said Moutinho. "It's something I never thought about when I came here. To be the first pick in a great group of players is an honor for me."
"We are very excited and proud of Joao," Akron head coach
Jared Embick commented. "He showed throughout the year what a player he is and we are thrilled to be able to enjoy this moment with him. We are happy for the program and the University of Akron, as it is a great day to be a Zip."
Since 2008, Akron leads the country with eight players selected among the top-five selections in the MLS SuperDraft. The Zips also boast the highest total of players chosen among the top-10 draftees over the same span with 12.
Moutinho was the 12th University of Akron men's soccer standout to garner a Generation adidas contract, a total that leads the nation since the program's rebranding began in 2006. Additionally, since the combined Project-40 (1997-2005) and Generation adidas (2006-present) initiative started in 1997, the Zips' 12 signings rank third in the country behind only UCLA (14) and Maryland (13).
Moutinho, a 2017 First-Team United Soccer Coaches All-America honoree, Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year,
TopDrawerSoccer.com National Freshman of the Year and First-Team All-MAC performer, started all 24 games for the Zips this season. A key playmaker for Akron totaling three goals and five assists, he contributed 19 shots on goal as part of 40 overall shots, totals that ranked third on the squad.
Developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as 33 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall picks Joao Moutinho in 2018 and Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012 - just to name a few. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (8).
