ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Former University of New Mexico midfielder/defender Oniel Fisher was selected by Seattle Sounders FC in the second round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft Thursday. A native of Portmore, Jamaica, Fisher was the 40th overall selection, and the third player selected by Seattle.
“I’m really excited for Oniel,” UNM head coach Jeremy Fishbein said. “He’s a top-level player. It’s difficult to be drafted as an international player (due to MLS roster rules), so it shows how highly Seattle rates him. He’s everything you want in a professional: hard working, intelligent, dedicated and a committed teammate. I’m really excited for him.”
Fisher spent two years at UNM after transferring from Tyler Junior College. He played both midfielder and fullback for the Lobos and could slot in at either position. Ives Galarcep of SoccerByIves called him “the most impressive right back at the combine.”
Fisher scored four goals while at UNM, and each one proved to be a game-winner. He also recorded three assists and played 2,960 minutes while helping the Lobos to their second ever College Cup appearances in 2013.
Preseason training for the Sounders begins in a couple weeks.
The draft concludes with two more rounds Tuesday, January 20. A couple other Lobos hope to hear their name called, most notably James Rogers, who, like Fisher, was invited to the MLS Combine last week.