PHILADELPHIA (Thursday, January 16, 2014) – The LA Galaxy today selected University of New Mexico defender Kyle Venter in the second round of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. The 23rd overall pick of the 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.
The final two rounds of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft will be held via conference call on Tuesday, January 21. The Galaxy hold one pick, the 15th pick of the fourth round (72nd overall), in the final two rounds of the SuperDraft.
Season tickets for the 2014 MLS season are on sale now, starting at just $250. Becoming a Galaxy Season Ticket Member gives fans the opportunity to see every Galaxy home game as well as number of additional benefits such as access to Town Hall meetings with Galaxy leaders, discounts on additional single game tickets, entrance into the club’s new Season Ticket Member loyalty program and much more as well as discounts at all TEAM LA locations and on select camps at the Galaxy Soccer Center in Torrance. For more information about becoming a Galaxy Season Ticket Member, please call 877-3GALAXY (342-5299) or visit www.lagalaxy.com/tickets.
