ELON, N.C. – Former Elon University men’s soccer standout Miguel Salazar was added to the 60 invitees selected to participate at the 2016 adidas Major League Soccer Player Combine as announced on Monday, Jan. 4.
Salazar joins 60 other players from the collegiate ranks that will train and compete for MLS teams in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., from Jan. 7-12. The players will be split into four teams of 15 each and look to leave an impression on the 20 MLS coaching staffs that will be on hand at Central Broward Regional Park. The teams will play three doubleheaders on Jan. 8, Jan 10 and Jan. 12.
Salazar concluded his terrific career with the Phoenix this past fall after helping the maroon and gold to its third NCAA Tournament appearance in the past four seasons and its first win ever in the national tournament. As a senior in 2015, Salazar aided the Phoenix to 14 wins and also a share of the Colonial Athletic Association regular-season title. It was the fourth conference championship captured by the Salazar since his arrival to Elon in 2012.
Individually, Salazar earned first team All-CAA honors, the second time the Tucson, Arizona, native received conference first team accolades. Salazar also helped the Phoenix defensive unit post a league-best nine shutouts in 2015 from his holding midfield position. As a junior, Salazar tallied a career-best three goals including a game-winner versus Duke in Elon’s first-ever win over the Blue Devils.
Salazar joins Steven Kinney (2009), Chris Thomas (2012) and Daniel Lovitz (2013) as players from Elon to be invited to the MLS Combine. Kinney went on to be selected in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire, while Thomas was tabbed by the New England Revolution in the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft. Lovitz became Elon’s highest draft pick ever in the SuperDraft when he was selected No. 24 by his current club, Toronto FC, in 2014.
Elon has had a number of recent success with former alums making MLS rosters in Kinney, 2015 MLS All-Star Clint Irwin (Colorado Rapids), Gabe Latigue (New England Revolution) and Lovitz.