Tigers Make History in 2020 MLS SuperDraft
Clemson, S.C. – Three members of Clemson’s men’s soccer team were taken in the opening two rounds of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon. Robbie Robinson was taken with the first overall selection by Inter Miami, Tanner Dieterich joins his hometown club, Nashville SC, with the 28th pick, and Malick Mbaye was taken 33rd overall by Toronto FC.
The three selections thus far in the 2020 SuperDraft raises the program’s total to 25 SuperDraft selections since 2000. With Robinson going in the first round, Clemson now has seven first round selections in program history. The 2020 MLS SuperDraft is the seventh consecutive year in which a Clemson player has been taken in the event.
With Inter Miami using their first overall pick and first-ever MLS Draft selection on Robinson, he becomes the second athlete in Clemson history to be taken first in their respective sport’s professional draft. Kris Benson was the first selection by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1996 MLB Draft.
Following Thursday’s draft results, Head Coach Mike Noonan has now coached 14 players into the MLS/USL system while at the helm of Clemson’s program.
Inter Miami, an expansion team set to play its first season in the MLS during the 2020 campaign, selected the best player in college soccer with the first pick in the draft. By selecting Robinson, Inter Miami added to its roster the MAC Hermann Trophy recipient, a first team All-American, a member of the first team All-South Region, a first team All-ACC honoree and the ACC’s Offensive Player of the Year. Robinson was the most electric player in the country during the 2019 campaign, scoring 18 goals, providing nine assists and accumulating a nation-leading mark of 45 points.
“You’ve been a joy to watch and we’re excited for you to bring your skills to our city - it’s an exciting time for us,” Inter Miami owner and soccer legend David Beckham said on Robison. “We are excited about you being able to contribute to the team and develop as a player in our club.”
Dieterich, a native of Nashville, Tenn., is heading home to play with one of the league’s newest clubs. Dieterich enters the professional ranks after suiting up for Clemson in 74 matches. Dieterich was a captain for the program the past three seasons and capped his senior season with three goals and a team-leading mark of 10 assists. For his consistent excellence, Dieterich earned second team All-ACC honors in 2019.
Mbaye, a native of Dakar, Senegal, will now join Toronto FC after four excellent years as a part of the Clemson defensive unit. Mbaye, who played the most minutes of any Clemson player during the 2019 season, was named a third team All-American, first team All-South Region, first team All-ACC and the ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year. Mbaye will now join Patrick Bunk-Andersen, a former defender for the Tiger selected by the side in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
The third and fourth rounds of the MLS SuperDraft will take place on Monday, Jan. 13. Selections for the final two rounds will be made amongst league and team officials. Fans wishing to follow along will be able to via mlssoccer.com.