BOSTON – The America East had four players selected in the 2023 MLS Superdraft on Dec. 21, including New Hampshire’s Moise Bombito, who was the third overall selection.
Bombito was one of three Wildcats to get drafted on Wednesday and the highest pick in conference history as the Colorado Rapids took the defender third overall. Teammate and goalkeeper Jassem Koleilat was picked 58th by Los Angeles FC while midfielder Rory O’Driscoll was drafted by Nashville SC with the 78th pick. UVM’s Noah Egan was the fourth selection from the America East, taken 64th by the Chicago Fire.
"This is a historic day for our program and we couldn't be more proud of Moise, Jassem and Rory," said UNH head coach Marc Hubbard. "All three are great players but most importantly better people. They have all left their jerseys in a better place than when they arrived. We must not forget that these opportunities would not be available if it were not for the collective effort and success of our team. We wish them all the best as they represent New Hampshire on the professional stage. Finally, this day cements New Hampshire men's soccer as a program that can help develop student athletes and provide the proper platform for players to achieve their professional dreams."
"Chicago Fire made a great decision by drafting Noah," UVM head coach Rob Dow said. "Noah is ready to compete for his job, and we're all proud of him here in Catamount Country."
Bombito was named a Second-Team All-American and was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy and he recently attended the MLS College Showcase. He won the 2022 America East and earned first team All-Conference honors. He tied for third on the team with four goals and tied for second with two game winners. Bombito led a defense that was third in the nation with a 0.500 team goals against average.
Koleilat was stellar in net this season as he was third in the nation with 11 shutouts and was fifth with a 0.599 goals against average. He earned All-Region First Team accolades, while he was selected to the All-Conference Second Team. Over two seasons, he recorded an outstanding 32-6-3 (.817) record and posted 19 shutouts.
Egan was a three-time member of the America East All-Conference First Team, as well as the All-Northeast Region First Team. Egan was named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List twice as a Catamount. He also earned America East All-Academic honors in 2022. Egan recorded 19 points (8 goals, 3 assists) in four seasons for the Catamounts and anchored Vermont's back line, leading them to the 2021 conference championship and a trip to the 2022 NCAA Quarterfinals.
O'Driscoll totaled 19 goals and seven assists for 45 points over 63 career games. This season he tallied six goals and two assists for 14 points. O'Driscoll was named the America East Midfielder of the Year in the 2020 season. He also earned First-Team All-Conference accolades for the 2020 and 2021 seasons, while he received All-Region First Team honors also in the 2020 and 2021 seasons.
The America East is one of the best men’s soccer conferences in the country. Five teams have reached the third round of the NCAA tournament since 2014, highlighted by UVM falling to eventual national champion Syracuse in the 2022 Quarterfinals. The conference has received multiple bids to the NCAA tournament in four of last eight seasons, and this past year both UNH and UVM earned home first round victories.
About America East: The America East provides its member schools and their athletic programs a platform upon which student-athletes can achieve both collegiate and life success through the promotion and nurturing of athletic excellence, academic achievement and leadership, on and off the field.
- Building the Complete Student-Athlete –