Jan. 12, 2007
With the 10th Pick of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, Toronto FC selected from the University of New Mexico, defender Andrew Boyens. That announcement was made today in Indianapolis, Ind., by MLS Deputy Commissioner Ivan Gazidis, making Boyens the highest drafted Lobo in school history.
The L.A. Galaxy, who just recently signed soccer superstar David Beckham, originally held the 10th pick but Toronto traded up to grab Boyens, a two-time All-American at New Mexico, in the first round. An expansion team in 2007, Toronto FC also had the No. 1 overall pick, selecting Maryland’s Maurice Edu.
“It is really exciting,” stated Boyens who got the early morning news at home in Dunedin, New Zealand. “I am just letting it all sink in right now, but I am obviously very happy at the moment. Playing at New Mexico was a great path to the MLS. The program has such a professional attitude and the coaching staff was excellent. I had three great years of support from the coaches, friends, teammates and the community.”
Boyens played three seasons at UNM (2004-06), twice earning the Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Player of the Year honor (2004 and 2006). He scored 11 career goals and six assists while leading New Mexico to its most successful three-year run in school history. He shared the MPSF Player of the Year honors with teammate Jeff Rowland in 2004, leading UNM to a 17-1-2 record, an MPSF title and a trip to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament. Boyens was named to the 2005 College Cup All-Tournament team after guiding the Lobos to the NCAA National Championship game, an 18-2-3 mark and another MPSF Title as a junior. In 2006, Boyens was the lone starting senior on a very young squad that won its third straight MPSF crown, posted a 14-4-3 mark and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He also became the second Lobo to be considered for college soccer’s top award, earning Hermann Trophy Semifinalist honors as a senior.
“I am really happy for him,” stated UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein. “This is a well deserved honor and I think he is the best player in the whole draft. I am excited for him to get his career started in the US. He was a big part of our success over the last three years and will have a long professional career.”
Boyens is the fifth Lobo to be drafted in the MLS SuperDraft, following three former teammates who were selected last season. In 2006, Lance Watson was taken in the second round (16th overall) by the Kansas City Wizards, Brandon Moss went to the Columbus Crew in the third round (27th overall) and Josh Brown was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round (45th) overall. Richard Farrer was drafted in the first MLS draft in 1996 by the Dallas Burn in the 12th round (113th overall). Both Jeff Rowland and Edmundo Rodriguez were the No. 2 overall selections in the MLS Supplemental Drafts in 2006 and 1996, respectively.
Boyens will be one of four former Lobos on MLS rosters next season, joining Watson at Kansas City and Moss at Columbus. Rowland, who suffered a serious knee injury early in his pro career last season, is healthy and expected to give it another try with Real Salt Lake in 2007.