Former HPU Men’s Soccer Player Shawn Sloan Signs With the Columbus Crew

COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer announced on Wednesday that they have signed former High Point University men’s soccer player Shawn Sloan to a professional contract. Sloan is the first HPU men’s soccer player to sign a professional contract with an MLS club.

“This is such a great honor and I am so happy to be presented with this opportunity to play for the Columbus Crew,” Sloan said. “I worked hard throughout the preseason to make this team and for me to have this chance to play professional soccer is unbelievable. Playing with the Crew has been a great experience. I am looking forward to the chance to settle in Columbus and I am excited to represent this city in MLS.”

Sloan was selected by the Crew in fourth round of the 2013 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft with the 66th overall pick. The midfielder appeared in exhibition matches against Sporting KC, the New York Red Bulls and DC United during the preseason. He also played in the Kirk Urso Memorial Match against UNC in Greensboro, N.C.

Sloan finished his HPU career with 75 points on 24 goals and 27 assists in four years. 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.

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.

The Columbus Crew begin their 2013 season this Saturday, March 2, on the road against Chivas USA.