STORRS, Conn. – Three UConn men's soccer sophomore standouts, Mikah Thomas, Max Kerkvliet, and Kieran Chandler were selected in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft on Friday afternoon. This is the most draft picks UConn has had in the MLS SuperDraft since 2014. 

Thomas was selected with the 9th overall pick in the first round by Charlotte FC, becoming the twelfth top ten pick in program history. The sophomore defender is a native of Ponte Vedra, Florida and made nine starts in defense across two seasons for the Huskies. As a left back, Thomas has recorded one goal and three assists in 26 career appearances. "Congratulations to Mikah and his family on being drafted by Charlotte," said head coach Chris Gbandi. "Mikah has put in the work during his two years at UConn and has become a huge part of our group. I'm very happy and proud of Mikah for his commitment and dedication to improving each day." 

Kerkvliet was also selected in the first round with the 21st overall pick by Real Salt Lake, the first time UConn has had two first round picks in a draft since 2017. The Houston, Texas native had a stellar rookie season in between the posts for the Huskies starting in all 18 games at goalkeeper. Kerkvliet native made 57 saves this season, posting a 0.814 save percentage ranking eighth among all Division I goalkeepers. Kerkvliet had eight clean sheets this season, the most among any freshman goalkeeper in Division I. He was an All-BIG EAST Third Team selection this year, earning BIG EAST Freshman of the Week honors three times. "Congratulations to Max and his family on being drafted by Real Salt Lake," said Gbandi. "Max is following in the long line of talented goalkeepers UConn Men's Soccer has produced over the years. (Max and I joke that UConn should be called Goalkeeper University) We are very proud of Max for being recognized for his devotion and efforts."

Chandler was selected in the second round with the 43rd overall pick by Minnesota United FC. A native of Simsbury, Connecticut, he started in all 18 games this season for the Huskies, recording four assists. He has played in 35 matches in his two seasons at UConn, making 32 career starts primarily in defense at left back. Chandler is a two-time All-BIG EAST Third Team selection. Chandler was the BIG EAST Co-Freshman of the Year a season ago, recording two goals and four assists in his rookie season. "We are all very happy for Kieran on being drafted by Minnesota," said Gbandi. "Kieran is a local player who has been an integral part of our team from the first day he arrived on campus. All his hard work has paid off and we are all thrilled for Kieran and his family for him being drafted."