High Point University’s Shawn Sloan drafted by the Columbus Crew in the MLS Supplemental Draft

HIGH POINT, N.C. – Midfielder Shawn Sloan of the High Point University men’s soccer team was selected by the Columbus Crew in fourth round of the 2013 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft on Tuesday. Sloan was drafted with the 66th overall pick of the supplemental draft.

“This is a testament to the hard work that Shawn has put in over his four years at High Point University,” men’s soccer head coach Dustin Fonder said. “He had a tremendous career here at High Point. We wish him nothing but success as he continues on in his soccer career.”

Sloan finished with 75 points on 24 goals and 27 assists in four years with the Panthers. He is second in the HPU Div. I career record book in both points and assists and third in goals. In 2012, Sloan played in 15 games with 14 starts and finished second on the team with 22 points on six goals and a team-high 10 assists. Sloan finished second in the Big South and tied for eighth in the nation in total assists. His rate of 0.67 assists per game was third in the nation. Sloan is a two-time NSCAA All-Region selection and a four-time All-Big South first-team member.

“This is really just a dream come true,” Sloan said. “I didn’t think four years ago when I came to High Point I would have a chance to play professionally and now I do. My time at HPU has really helped to prepare me for this opportunity. I know I will have to go and fight for my roster spot with Columbus and I am prepared to do just that. I am very grateful to be blessed with this chance to keep playing the game I love.”

Sloan is the third player drafted into the MLS out of High Point University in the past three seasons. Former HPU forward Karo Okiomah was selected with the 12th pick of the supplemental draft by the Houston Dynamo in 2012 and former midfielder Scott Rojo was drafted with the 44th overall selection in the supplemental draft by Toronto FC in 2011. Sloan was one of four Big South players selected in the supplemental draft in 2013.

“As pleased as we are for Shawn individually this is also a great statement about the High Point soccer program and the direction it is heading,” Fonder said. “This is the third-straight year that High Point has had someone drafted and we plan to continue to develop professional prospects in the years to come.”

Having completed his degree this past fall Sloan will leave immediately to join Columbus which opened its preseason training on Jan. 20. The Crew will travel to Orlando Fla., on Feb. 6 where the team will train for three weeks and compete in the Disney Pro Classic along with Toronto FC, the Montreal Impact, the Philadelphia Union and DC United.