It has become quite common to hear the names of University of Akron players when the MLS has its SuperDraft.
In this year’s draft, Jason Shokalook was selected by Chicago Fire FC, Malik Henry was taken by CF Montreal and Dyson Clapier was nabbed by Sporting Kansas City.
All were taken in the second round, but here’s the rub — Henry and Clapier are coming back to Akron.
“It’s always an exciting day to see players get picked up and the interest others have in the program,” Zips coach Jared Embick said. “The MLS is starting to take steps like other sports where you can be drafted and still go to school and the pro team retains your rights until you graduate.”
That’s the clause Henry and Clapier used as both are on track to graduate in December, while Shokalook is out of eligibility.
Why Dyson Clapier decided to stay at Akron and what it means
The 5-foot-11 forward came into last season with high hopes as a first team All-Big East preseason selection and a MAC Hermann Trophy candidate, which is soccer’s version of the Heisman. He was No. 4 on TopDrawerSoccer.com’s preseason 100 list.
Unfortunately, an injury limited Clapier to eight starts and 12 games, in which he registered two goals and two assists.
But there’s more to it for Clapier, who was taken with the 51st overall pick.
“It was a great feeling to get drafted and be around my family to celebrate that,” Clapier said. “I was very blessed and very grateful, but we have some unfinished business in Akron. We’re still trying to compete, still trying to show we’re the best. In my case, it’s better to come back off that injured year and come back ready.”
The Zips put together a 9-2-7 season in 2023 and lost just one regular-season game. They spent a solid portion of the year ranked but their name wasn't called when the brackets came out for the NCAA Tournament.
That didn’t sit well in the 330.
“Man, it hurt not making the tournament,” Clapier said. “We felt like we had the team to do it. We ended up falling short, but it’s a new year, new season and new team. We’ll be motivated to get to the top.”
Why Malik Henry decided to stay at Akron and what it means
Henry echoed Clapier’s feeling after a season of just misses.
The 5-7 defender helped the Zips to 10 shutouts and a 0.56 goals against average in 14 games and 13 starts and logged four assists.
That earned him the 39th pick in the draft.
“I think coming back to Akron was the best decision I could make,” he said. “I’ll be able to get my degree in the fall and I feel like the Zips have something to prove. Last season, things didn’t go how we envisioned them. I think we’ll have a chip on our shoulder, and it’s something I want to be a part of. We felt like we got the cold shoulder, so that’ll fire us up. We’re going to give them no reason to leave us out.”
When Henry does play for Montreal he’ll have a Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers situation on his hands.
Growing up in Hamilton, Ontario, Henry was an hour drive from Toronto, which had a natural rivalry with Montreal, so in a sense Henry is changing allegiances.
“We’ve always had a big rivalry, so it’s cool for me,” Henry said. “I’m switching sides almost. It’s really great to play in the MLS in the country I was born in.”
What Jason Shokalook brings to Chicago Fire FC
At forward for Akron, Shokalook started 17 games and led the Zips in goals (14), assists (5), points (33), shots on goal (41) and game-winners (3) and was seventh in the NCAA in goals.
In four seasons, he totaled 26 goals and 17 assists and started 41 of the 59 games in which he played.
That earned him the 35th pick by Chicago and a future in the MLS.
“He’s got a professional frame at 6-1,” Embick said. “He’s got good strength, good speed and has a lot of potential to offer. He has the ability to be direct, run behind, get on the end of things and stretch the game. If they decide to counter, it’s great. They like where his game is now. He’s only going to get better.”
Contact Brad Bournival at bbournival@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter at @bbournival
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