Indiana University Athletics
Hayden and Tudela Drafted in MLS Superdraft
1/12/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Jan. 12, 2007
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Former men's soccer players John Michael Hayden and Josh Tudela were both drafted in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft, held Friday, Jan. 12, in Indianapolis.
Hayden was selected in the first round by reigning MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo. He was chosen as the 13th overall pick. Hayden is the eighth player in Indiana history to be drafted in the first round.
Tudela was selected in the second round as the 20th overall pick by the L.A. Galaxy.
Indiana has seen 29 players drafted into MLS, which is going into its 11th year. In 2000, Nick Garcia (Kansas City Wizards) was the No. 2 overall pick, Indiana's highest pick in the history of the draft.
"I am very proud of John Michael and Josh and all that they have accomplished," head coach Mike Freitag said. "They were winners at Indiana, and both have what it takes to continue their careers at the next level. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for them in MLS."
Hayden, a first team All-Big Ten selection as a senior, scored 13 goals and had 10 assists in his Indiana career. One of the biggest goals of his career came in his sophomore season in the 2004 NCAA semifinals against Maryland. Hayden scored off a header with 48 seconds remaining to send Indiana to the championship game.
Tudela was named Big Ten Player of the Year in 2006. He scored 11 goals and tallied 17 assists in his career. A team captain as a senior, Tudela led the team in the midfield, and set up a number of goals several passes before the score.
Tudela and Hayden completed their careers with two NCAA championships (2003 and 2004), two Big Ten Championships (2003 and 2006) and an overall record of 64-14-15.
Hayden and Tudela will join 11 former Hoosiers were on MLS rosters through the completion of the 2006 season. Garcia, Ned Grabavoy (Columbus Crew), Chris Klein (Real Salt Lake), Dema Kovalenko (New York Red Bull), Drew Moor (FC Dallas), Jay Nolly (traded from Real Salt Lake to D.C. United following the season), Pat Noonan (New England Revolution), Danny O'Rourke (traded from New York Red Bull to Columbus Crew following the season), Jacob Peterson (Colorado Rapids), Brian Plotkin (Chicago Fire), and Jed Zayner (Columbus Crew).
