BALTIMORE, Maryland – With the 14TH pick of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, the Montreal Impact selected defender Kyle Fisher, from Clemson University, Thursday, at the Baltimore Convention Center.
"We are happy with our first round selection," said head coach Mauro Biello. “Kyle is a guy that we had followed. He brings leadership and is ready mentally. He impressed us, both at his interview and with his qualities on the field.”
With three more picks in second round (24th, 34th, 39th), the Impact selected striker Michael Salazar (University of California, Riverside), followed by midfielder Eric Verso (Stanford University) and Keegan Smith (University of San Diego).
“I am satisfied with our draft,” added Biello. “It’s never an easy process to finalize your selections. You try to analyze and prepare as well as possible to make the best decision.”
Fisher, a 21-year-old native of Easley, South Carolina, was named First Team All-American by the NSCAA in 2015. He was also named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year.
Salazar scored six goals in each of his last two seasons with UC Riverside. He is also member of the Belize national team, his native country, with whom he took part in four games, most notably during the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup.
Midfielder Eric Verso played 23 games for Stanford University in 2015 and scored two goals, in addition to 13 assists.
Keegan Smith scored seven goals in 18 games last season with San Diego and was named WCC Player of the Year. Smith was also a member of the U15 and U17 US national teams.
Kyle Fisher
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 176 lbs
Date of birth: June 19, 1994
Residence: Easley, South Carolina
Former club: Clemson University (NCAA)
Michael Salazar
Position: Attaquant
Height: 5’11
Weight: 165 lbs
Date of birth: November 15, 1992
Residence: Cayo, Belize
Former club: UC Riverside (NCAA)
Eric Verso
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5’10
Weight: 160 lbs
Date of birth: October 4, 1992
Residence: Los Angeles, California
Former club: Stanford University (NCAA)
Keegan Smith
Position: Forward
Height: 6’0
Weight: 175 lbs
Date of birth: June 9, 1993
Residence: Temecula, California
Former club: University of San Diego (NCAA)
