Feb. 11, 2002
SANTA CLARA, Calif. - Following a year in which he was named the 2001 WCC Player and Co-Defender of the Year, Jeff Stewart fulfilled a dream Sunday afternoon when he was taken as the 19th overall pick by the Colorado Rapids in the Major League Soccer Super Draft.
"I am really excited to be taken by Colorado," said Stewart. "They were definitely among my top choices because I was hoping to stay on or near the West Coast, and Denver is a beautiful city, so I am very excited."
Stewart showcased his abilities for MLS executives last week in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as part of the Umbro Senior Bowl. His abilities at the showcase as well as the ones shown throughout his career at Santa Clara did not go unnoticed, as he was the 10th collegiate player taken in the annual draft.
"Jeff gives us another player of high caliber, and more help at the defensive position," said Dan Crounce, general manager of the Rapids. "Santa Clara is has been a power over the last several years, and he's been an important part of that success, so we're looking forward to seeing how he fits in with the team."
Stewart will travel back to Florida to begin training with the team this week in an effort to make the team and go to Portugal for further preseason training. The 2002 MLS season is scheduled to begin March 23rd.
A pre-season All-America selection with the Broncos in 2001, Stewart finished third in team scoring in his final year of college and led the Broncos to a second-round appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
Stewart's Career Statistics:
Year Matches-Starts Shots Goals GWG Assists Points 1998 22-6 7 0 0 1 1 1999 23-23 10 2 0 0 4 2000 17-17 8 1 1 0 2 2001 21-21 6 3 1 0 6 Career 83-67 31 6 2 1 13Stewart's Career Honors:
2001 WCC Player of the Year 2001 Preseason All-American Santa Clara adidas Classic All-Tournament Team 2001 WCC Defender of the Year 2000, 2001 First Team All-WCC 2000, 2001 Clemson Invitational All-Tournament Team 1999