PHILADELPHIA, Penn. – The San Jose Earthquakes selected midfielder Fatai Alashe from Michigan State University with the fourth overall selection Thursday in the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, presented by adidas, at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
Alashe, 21, played four standout seasons at Michigan State, appearing in 85 games in his career and notching 14 goals and 15 assists. As a senior, he was named NSCAA All-American Second Team and All-Midwest Region after having his best season with eight goals and eight assists. He helped Michigan State reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament before falling 3-2 to Providence College.
"Fatai is a good all-around midfielder with a lot of range,” said Earthquakes head coach Dominic Kinnear. “He can play in the holding role or a little farther up the field, so we are very happy to get him. We interviewed a number of players at the combine and he impressed us there as well. He is a player with a lot of promise and we are looking forward to seeing him when training camp opens.”
Alashe was also named a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar as a junior, while earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Tournament Team. Prior to college, he played for the U-17/18 Vardar Academy team, helping them win the 2010 Development Academy national championship.
“I enjoyed my interview with the Earthquakes coaching staff at the combine and was hoping that this might happen,” said Alashe. “I am looking forward to coming out to San Jose. I know some of the players on the team and I want to get out there, work hard and try to help the team any way that I can.”
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)– San Jose Earthquakes select M Fatai Alashe in the first round (fourth overall) of the MLS SuperDraft.
Fatai Alashe
Position: Midfielder
Height: 6-0
Weight: 170 lbs.
Born: Oct. 21, 1993 in Southfield, Mich.
Hometown: Northville, Mich.
College: Michigan State
Citizenship: USA
