Jan. 19, 2007
Santa Clara, Calif. - Santa Clara University senior Erik Ustruck was selected in the third round of the 2007 MLS Supplemental Draft by the MLS Cup Champion Houston Dynamo. Ustruck joins former Santa Clara soccer star Ryan Cochrane on the Dynamo and becomes the second Bronco drafted by Major League Soccer this year. Amaechi Igwe was picked by the New England Revolution in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft.
"I am happy just to be selected and I am looking forward to starting training camp," said Ustruck. "It has been a life-long dream to play professional soccer and this is the first step to making that happen. They have a great team in Houston so I am going to go down there and try and win a spot on the team."
Ustruck had an outstanding four-year career for the Broncos, helping lead them to four NCAA Tournament appearances and two West Coast Conference championships. As a freshman, he helped lead Santa Clara to the College Cup in Columbus, Ohio. In his career, the midfielder scored eight goals and dished out six assists, while playing in 82 matches as a Bronco. He scored two goals in the NCAA Tournament, including a goal against Michigan in 2003 to help SCU beat the Wolverines and advance to the College Cup. A native of St. Louis, Mo. Ustruck was a two-time All-WCC honoree.
Ustruck will travel to Houston this week to prepare for training camp. Bronco junior Matt Hatzke's older brother, Nick, who played for California, was also selected in the supplemental draft by Houston.