Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Former Valparaiso goalkeeper Kyle Zobeck has become the first Crusader men's soccer alum to sign a Major League Soccer contract, as Zobeck inked a deal with FC Dallas, as announced by the club Tuesday morning. Per league and team policy, the terms of the agreement will not be disclosed.

“We're extremely happy to announce that we're signing Kyle Zobeck to a contract with FC Dallas,” said FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman in the club's release. “He was a player who we followed at Valparaiso and we were fortunate that he was still available in the supplemental draft. We brought him in and we've been really pleased with his progress, his abilities and also his character. I think he will be a good keeper for FC Dallas and will make our goalkeeping group even better.”

Zobeck was selected by FC Dallas in the second round (26th overall) of the 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft, following a stellar career at Valpo. He closed out his Valparaiso career as the program's all-time leader in both goals against average (0.91) and shutouts (23), setting single-season records in both categories as a junior (0.66, 11) as he helped the Crusaders to the Horizon League regular season championship. The two-time league goalkeeper of the year also twice earned First Team All-League honors. A success off the field as well, Zobeck was one of ten finalists for the Senior CLASS Award during his senior season, and last summer was honored as a Tau Beta Pi Laureate.

"We're very excited for Kyle," said Crusader head coach Mike Avery. "Making an MLS roster is a great accomplishment - it is a very competitive league and the level has grown each and every year. It is no surprise to me that Kyle was able to show his worth during preseason with FC Dallas because everything about him screams professionalism. If Kyle stays healthy and continues to develop, he has all the tools to have a long career. Having Kyle represent our program in this way is something in which our entire university community, obviously including our soccer program, takes great pride."