Only three NCAA men’s soccer programs have had players drafted among the top 12 picks by Major League Soccer in each of the past two years — eight-time national champion Indiana, rising ACC power Syracuse … and FIU.
After FIU midfielder Paul Marie was drafted by the MLS’ San Jose Earthquakes 12th in 2018, Orlando City SC selected his former teammate, forward Santiago Patino, third overall on Jan. 11.
Patino set the record for the highest draft slot in FIU history, breaking the mark previously held by Jeff Cassar, who was selected eighth in 1996.
In MLS history, there have been nine FIU players drafted, including five in the first round.