UNLV’s Cruz enters MLS Superdraft

January 15, 2009 by Jennifer Miller 

Soccer star will forego final two seasons to go pro

 

The Rebels’ soccer program has a reason to boast this week.

Sophomore midfielder Danny Cruz signed a three-year contract with Major League Soccer on Tuesday and will participate in the MLS Superdraft on Thursday.

Cruz has agreed to be a Generation Adidas player for MLS, a joint venture between U.S. Soccer and the MLS that will offer a college tuition stipend for players to continue their college education after becoming a professional. At the end of his three years, there is an option for a two-year continuation.

Cruz’s departure, though highly celebrated, leaves a void on the roster that will be hard to fill.

But head coach Mario Sanchez is optimistic and wishes nothing but the best for Cruz.

“We are extremely happy for [Cruz] and the opportunity he has. When we recruited [Cruz], we knew that there was a good chance that he would leave early. He has worked extremely hard for this, he gave everything he had while he was a Rebel and helped the program move forward.”

Cruz was a two-time first team all-conference selection who garnered other accolades. The Arizona native earned first team All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation honors twice for the Rebels, and was the first freshman All-American in team history when he was named to College Soccer News All-Freshman Second Team in the 2007 season.

The path to his professional career began last weekend as he participated in the MLS combine. Cruz was also a member of the U-20 National team since the spring of 2008, and played on the U.S. National Team in the FIFA U-17 World Cup in 2007.

Sanchez feels his success will continue to grow.

“We are looking forward to following his success as a professional and with the U.S. National Teams.”