Men's Soccer Standouts Sign with MLS

Jan. 15, 2015

EAST LANSING, Mich. - Three Spartan standouts have signed with a Major League Soccer team. Midfielder Fatai Alashe was selected as the fourth pick overall by the San Jose Earthquakes and midfielder Jay Chapman signed with Toronto FC as a homegrown player, both signed on Jan. 15. Forward Adam Montague enters the MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps, selected as the 58th pick in the third round of the SuperDraft on Jan. 20.

"Having three players either drafted or signed in a single year is awesome," said Michigan State men's soccer head coach Damon Rensing. "It is a tribute to those individuals, their teammates, and the program's ability to take 18-year-old players and develop them into professionals over a three-to-four year period."

Midfielder Fatai Alashe was selected as the fourth pick overall by the San Jose Earthquakes. He was the first defensive midfielder to be selected in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. His selection in the first round of the draft marks the highest-ever in school history, surpassing first-round pick Doug DeMartin in 2009. Alashe was named one of eight players to sign early with MLS after being invited to the Major League Soccer Combine. Prior to the 2014 season, Alashe was selected to captain the Portland Timbers U-23 in the Chipotle Homegrown match during MLS All-Star Week, televised by ESPN on Aug. 4.

"First off, congratulations to Fatai and his family," said Rensing. "We're really excited for him. He's matured as a person and a player over these last four years and it's very rewarding. It culminates with him being one of the Top-5 players in the MLS Draft.

"I think Fatai is in a great situation with San Jose. Coach Kinnear and his staff have been proven winners in the MLS and they certainly know how the league is structured and how to perform in that league, so I think they'll be great guides for Fatai as he starts his pro career in San Jose.

Alashe earned Second-Team All-American honors and First-Team NSCAA All-Region honors for his performance in 2014. He was recognized by the Big Ten with Big Ten All-Tournament Team and Academic All-Big Ten Honors.

"I would like to...thank my family, who came with me today," said Alashe, addressing the crowd in Philadelphia. "Obviously, I really just appreciate their support throughout the years. This wouldn't be possible without them. I mean, they've done a lot and have really gotten me everything I've need throughout my life.

"I would like to thank my coach, who is here, Damon Rensing and all the other coaches at Michigan State University for helping make this possible as well. Without them, I definitely wouldn't be here today. They taught me so much about the game. I would also like to thank my teammates at Michigan State, because without them, again, this wouldn't be possible. I need every single one of those guys, all 28 players on that team and all the players I played with throughout my career.

"I would also like to thank my club coaches, all the influences throughout my life to make me a better player and to get to this stage. Lastly, I'd like to thank San Jose, their staff and their front office for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. Thanks guys."

Alashe totaled five points this season from two goals and one assist. The Northville, Michigan, native scored the final goal in the 4-0 victory over Western Michigan and netted the final penalty kick in the Sweet 16 shootout against Washington, allowing the Spartans to advance, 4-3.

"Fatai is a very competitive person," said Rensing. "He is a very driven person. When you combine that with his talent and abilities, I think that translates well to the next level. I think it's also very cool that Fatai not only thanked Michigan State University, but also thanked all 28 of his teammates. That's a sign of maturity and respect for the team and the program."

Forward Adam Montague was drafted by the Vancouver Whitecaps in third round as the 58th pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Prior to the 2014 season, Montague competed in a total of seven PDL games between the Chicago Fire and the Chicago Inferno. He was one of two Spartans invited to the MLS Combine in advance of the draft.

"We are really excited for Adam and his family," said Rensing. "Adam worked extremely hard for the last four years for the program, so it is great to see him rewarded with the opportunity to play professionally. The combination of Adam's size and strength, along with his soccer IQ and ability to score certainly translates well to the MLS."

The second-year team captain capped off a decorated career in 2014, earning Second-Team NSCAA All-Region and Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. He was also one of 16 on the men's soccer team to receive Academic All-Big Ten recognition. He scored the game-winning goals over Wisconsin and No. 2 Indiana, finishing third in the Big Ten in shots (52) and ninth in goals (5). He was one of the team's leading-scorers, totaling 14 points from five goals and four assists.

"I just want to say how excited I am to become a member of the Vancouver Whitecaps organization," said Montague. "Thank you to Michigan State University along with Damon Rensing and his staff for allowing me to be a part of the program these past four years. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to develop as a soccer player and student. It has been an incredible experience both on and off the field.

"I would also like to say thank you to my teammates, friends and most importantly my family. From day one my family has supported me and been a huge part of my experience as a Spartan. I will be eternally grateful for my time as a Spartan and look forward to the next opportunity in my career. I can without a doubt say I bleed green."

Midfielder Jay Chapman officially signed with Toronto FC as a homegrown player on Thursday, Jan. 15. Chapman spent two years in the Toronto FC Academy, prior to competing at Michigan State. He was part of the Canadian under-17 team that finished second at the 2011 CONCACAF U-17 Championship. He then was a member of the Canadian squad at the 2011 U-17 FIFA World Cup. Prior to the 2014 season, Chapman competed in the USL Premier Development League with K-W United FC.

"I think Jay is a great fit for Toronto," said Rensing. "It's certainly a great fit for him and his family. Jay has given us three wonderful years at Michigan State. He came in a little bit from the outside, not being from the State of Michigan or the U.S., but he quickly adjusted to the college soccer game, to the team and to the program. I think that mentality will allow him to quickly adjust to the MLS."

Chapman distinguished himself in MSU history throughout the 2014 season, becoming the first Spartan to earn MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist honors and first Spartan to be named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year. The Campbellford, Ontario, native earned first-team All-American, first-team NSCAA All-Region and first-team All-Big Ten honors.

"I think Jay is a very skilled, technical player," Rensing said. "He proved he was one of the best players in college soccer this year. Again, I think he's in a great fit with Toronto. It's neat to see him come up through an organization and then play for a hometown team."

He finished the season as one of the team's leading scorers with 15 points from five goals and five assists. He scored the game-winning goals over Loyola Chicago and Western Michigan and sealed the victory at No. 23 Penn State with a second goal in the 2-0 shutout. Four of his five assists came on game-winning goal, including an assist of the game-winning goal over No. 2 Indiana.

He finished tied for sixth in the Big Ten in points (15) and tied for fifth in total assists (5). He also finished the top 10 in the conference in goals (9th, 5) and shots (10th, 42).

"I think the success we've had in sending players to the MLS is a sign that we're recruiting not just good soccer players, but good people," said Rensing. "They're making it. They're willing to come into Michigan State and we're doing a good job developing them. It's a tribute to the resources that Michigan State provides for our soccer program. It's a tribute to the Big Ten Conference, which for me, is one of the best leagues in college soccer and it provides an avenue for our players to develop in highly competitive college soccer games. I think it's a statement for the program and for the conference. We're very proud of them."

The men's soccer team concluded its post-season run in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament with a record of 12-5-6 for 2014.