SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes selected Seattle University defender Nathan Aune in the third round (No. 50 overall) and then passed in the fourth round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft on Monday morning. Aune will have to be signed to an MLS contract before being placed on the Quakes’ roster.
San Jose selected three players in the first two rounds of the SuperDraft in Chicago on Friday, including Aune’s Seattle University teammate Sergio Rivas. The third and fourth rounds were conducted via conference call.
“Nathan is a physically-strong center back that shows potential and a solid presence on defense,” said Earthquakes general manager Jesse Fioranelli. “We are excited to have Nathan join our organization and will work closely with our USL affiliate Reno 1868 FC as he develops within the Quakes system.”
Aune, 22, was a four-year starter at Seattle University, where he made 79 starts in 80 appearances. The 6-4 center back not only led one of the Western Athletic Conference’s strongest defenses, but also contributed six goals and an assist during his collegiate career.
During his senior year, Aune made 16 starts in 17 appearances and anchored a defense that conceded just 24 goals in 20 games. He was named to the All-Western Athletic Conference First Team and the United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team. He was also one of 31 players named to the Hermann Trophy watch list.
A native of Arlington, Wash., Aune had a standout season in 2017, making 22 starts and helping the Redhawks earn 10 shutouts for the second time in his collegiate career (2015), while allowing under a goal per game. He was named a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American, WAC Defensive Player of the Year and WAC Preseason Defensive Player of the Year. He also received All-WAC First Team, WAC All-Tournament Team and United Soccer Coaches All-Region First Team honors.
As a result of his effort both on and off the field in 2017, Aune also became the first Redhawk to earn USC Scholar All-America First Team honors and was just the third player in Seattle University’s Division I program history to claim All-American recognition.
Aune also competed for the Crossfire Premier of the Premier Development League (PDL) from 2017-18, which serves as the U-23 side for Seattle Sounders FC.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes select Seattle University D Nathan Aune in the third round (No. 50 overall) and pass in the fourth round of the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Nathan Aune
Position: Defender
Height: 6-4
Weight: 185
Born: Oct. 27, 1996
Hometown: Arlington, Wash.
Preferred Foot: Right
College: Seattle University
