FC Dallas adds defensive depth with third and fourth round selections in 2014 MLS SuperDraft
FC Dallas selected defenders Nicholas Walker and Ronny Mendoza in the third and fourth rounds of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, which was held via conference call today.
"We selected what we felt were the best available players on the board," said FC Dallas Technical Director Fernando Clavijo. "Both players bring a huge physical presence to our box and on set pieces, something we were able to take advantage of last season. Mendoza has close to 30 international games under his belt at only 18 years of age. That experience is invaluable when you look at how long some of these kids take to make the transition to Major League Soccer."
Walker, selected with the fifth pick in the third round (43rd overall), was a two-time all-North Atlantic region first team selection at Fairleigh Dickinson. The soon to be 24-year-old center back was also named 2013 Northeast Conference Defender of the Year as a senior. Walker started 69 of the 71 games he played as a four-year starter for the Knights. He finished his collegiate career with four goals.
Mendoza, 18, was taken with the fifth pick in the fourth round (62nd overall). The 6-4 center back started 28 of the 29 matches he played last season for Manta FC of the Ecuadorian first division. Mendoza scored one goal in a 3-2 win against Deportivo Quevedo on March 31, 2013.
FC Dallas 2014 SuperDraft Selection:
Nicholas Walker
3rd Round, 43rd Overall
DOB: Jan. 23, 1990
HT: 6'3"
WT: 190
Birthplace: Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Hometown: Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
Position: Defender
College: Fairleigh Dickinson
Citizenship: Trinidad and Tobago
Ronny Mendoza
4th Round, 62nd Overall
DOB: July 4, 1995
HT: 6'4"
WT: 180
Birthplace: Pichincha, Ecuador
Hometown: Pichincha, Ecuador
Position: Defender
Citizenship: Ecuador
FC Dallas reports for 2014 preseason on Jan. 25 and will spend the following weeks preparing for the 2014 season opener against Montreal, presented by AdvoCare and slated for March 8 at Toyota Stadium.
(Edited from press release.)