Jan. 20, 2006
Former University of New Mexico men’s soccer midfielder Lance Watson was the first Lobo taken in the 2006 Major League Soccer SuperDraft today. Watson was chosen with the 16th overall pick, the fourth selection in the second round, by the Kansas City Wizards. Kansas City finished in fifth place in the Eastern Conference last season with an 11-9-12 record.
Watson was one of three Lobo All-Americans in 2005, along with teammates Jeff Rowland and Andrew Boyens. He led the team with a career-high nine assists and leaves UNM with 22 helpers, the second most in school history. He was third on the team in scoring last season with 15 points, adding three goals on the year. Watson was also on the 2005 College Cup All-Tournament team, leading UNM to the national title game for the first time in school history. He was also a three-time all-region and four-time All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation player. Watson returns to familiar territory after training with the Wizards in Kansas City last summer.
“It’s pretty exciting,” stated Watson. “Going to Kansas City, a place I am familiar with, should help with the transition. This has always been a goal of mine. After dreaming it as a high school player and now seeing it come true is unbelievable.”
Watson is the first Lobo to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft. Richard Farrer (1990-92) was taken in the 12th round with the 113th overall pick in 1996 in the MLS Inaugural Draft. Edmundo Rodriguez (1991-92) was selected with the second pick of the 1996 MLS Supplemental Draft by the NY/NJ MetroStars. Rowland and Brandon Moss are both in Phildelphia, Pa., at the SuperDraft waiting to hear their names called. Josh Brown is also among the 121 players eligible for the four-round, 48-pick draft.