Jan. 16, 2004
The team motto of ‘Making History’ continues for the 2003 Notre Dame men’s soccer squad. After achieving a top-five national ranking, winning the BIG EAST Championship and establishing itself as one of the top programs in the nation, two members of Notre Dame’s senior class were selected during the MLS SuperDraft in Charlotte, N.C., on Friday. Kevin Richards (Warwick, Bermuda) became the first-ever Notre Dame player to be selected in the MLS draft, getting the call at the fifth pick in round four (35th overall). Justin Detter (White Lake, Mich.) followed one round later as the seventh pick in the fifth (47th overall) to the Kansas City Wizards.
Richards was a third team all-BIG EAST selection in 2003 after starting all 23 contests and playing close to every minute of each game. His signature play was the game-winning goal in the BIG EAST Championship final against future NCAA runner-up St. John’s, which secured the conference title for the Irish. He finished with one goal and three assists in ’03 and two goals and 11 assists in his career.
Detter played in 80 games during his career and finished with 74 career points and eight game-winning goals. The 2003 BIG EAST Championship Most Outstanding Offensive Player, he earned first-team all-conference honors and led the team with 14 goals and 33 points last season. Detter finished in the top 15 all-time in total points at Notre Dame and scored an NCAA-match record five points vs. UW-Milwaukee during postseason play last fall. He also participated and played well in the MLS Player Combine during the last month.
“Everyone at Notre Dame is thrilled that Kevin and Justin were drafted and we wish them the best of luck,” Irish head coach Bobby Clark said when the draft was completed.
“We hope they have a long and successful career in professional soccer.”
Check out www.MLSnet.com for a complete recap of the entire MLS SuperDraft.
OTHER IRISH SOCCER NEWS:
While Richards and Detter become the first Irish players selected by the MLS, teammate and classmate Chad Riley beat them to the draft punch back on Dec. 12, 2003 … Riley was selected in the A-League draft by Milwaukee with the 32nd pick … freshman Nate Norman was in Los Angeles, Calif., during the semester break working the U.S. Under-20 National Team … classmate Greg Dalby was also invited to the camp, but did not compete due to a minor leg injury.