HOW ACQUIRED: Drafted on Jan. 16, 2014
The LA Galaxy selected University of New Mexico defender Kyle Venter with the 23rd overall pick of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft.
Venter was a four-year starter for the Lobos and a three-time NSCAA and College Soccer News All-American while helping lead his team to the NCAA College Cup as a senior in 2013. He becomes the ninth defender selected by Bruce Arena and the Galaxy in the last six years with six of the previous eight still remaining with the club.
A native of Aurora, Colo., Venter appeared in 86 matches during his four years at New Mexico, starting 85 of them. A 6-foot-3 center back, he tallied eight goals, including a career-best five in 2011, and four assists on his way to becoming the Lobos’ all-time leader in minutes played. The Conference USA Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year as a senior, Venter was also named to the 2013 Soccer America MVP Team and was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is awarded annually to nation’s top college soccer player. The Lobos qualified for the NCAA Tournament in each of Venter’s four years in Albuquerque, reaching at least the Sweet 16 in each of the past three years, culminating in the school’s second trip to the College Cup in 2013.