BALTIMORE, Md. – Former George Mason men's soccer defender Taylor Washington became the most recent Patriot to extend his playing career to the professional ranks after being selected in the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft on Thursday. Washington was picked 23rd overall by the Philadelphia Union.
“Taylor Washington is an incredible person,” commented George Mason men's soccer head coach Greg Andrulis. “He represents George Mason at such a high level both on and off the field. We couldn't be happier for Taylor and his family on this very special day.”
A native of Somers, N.Y., Washington donned the Green and Gold for three years after transferring from Boston College. During his collegiate career, Washington was tabbed Atlantic 10 All-Conference First Team as a sophomore in addition to VaSID All-State Second Team and ECAC Second Team All-Star. Following his senior season, Washington was named NSCAA All-Midwest Third Team.
Washington took the pitch in 12 matches this season, earning the start in 11. He played 984 minutes and attempted four shots during the season. For his collegiate career at Mason, Washington netted one goal, recorded three assists and started 52 of 53 matches he appeared in.
Last week, Washington was selected among an elite group of collegiate players to participate in the 2016 adidas MLS Player Combine with Team Ace coached by Andrulis.
“Philadelphia Union is a quality organization and a great place for Taylor to start his professional playing career,” noted Andrulis.
Washington is the first Patriot drafted since Taylor Morgan was selected in the fourth round of the 2012 Supplemental Draft by Toronto FC. Prior to Morgan, Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe was taken in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids in 2009. Ritchie Kotschall was the first Patriot drafted in 1998 as the second overall pick by Chicago Fire.
