The University of Akron Athletics
Trio of Zips Selected in MLS SuperDraft
December 19 | Men's Soccer
AKRON, Ohio – University of Akron men's soccer juniors Dyson Clapier (Layton, Utah), Malik Henry (Hamilton, Ontario) and Jason Shokalook (Erie, Pa.) culminated their stellar Zips' careers with their selections as part of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday, Dec. 19.
Shokalook was drafted with the sixth selection of the second round (35th overall) by Chicago Fire FC. Henry heard his name called with the 10th pick of the second round (39th overall) by CF Montreal, while Clapier was selected with the 22nd choice of the second round (51st overall) by Sporting Kansas City.
Shokalook, Henry and Clapier become the 31st, 32nd and 33rd Zips to be drafted during the MLS SuperDraft overall with their selections.
A Second-Team United Soccer Coaches All-America honoree, Shokalook started all 17 games in which he appeared for Akron this season en route to leading the Zips in goals (14), assists (5), points (33), shots (83), shots on goal (41) and game-winners (3). He rated second in the NCAA in in shots per outing (4.88) and in shots on goal per match (2.41), third points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3).
He ranked first in the BIG EAST in goals (0.82), points (1.94) and shots (4.88) per game as well as leading the league in total goals (14), shots (83) and points (33). In league-only affairs, Shokalook led the BIG EAST in total shots (43), as well as shots (5.38) per contest, while standing second in total goals (6), total points (15) and goals (0.75) and points (1.88) per contest and seventh in assists per tilt (0.43).
Henry collected United Soccer Coaches all-region accolades for the first time this season en route to helping spearhead Akron's defensive efforts this season that resulted in a league-best 10 shutouts and a 0.56 goals against average.
Henry appeared in 14 games for Akron on the campaign, including 13 starts, and posted four assists on nine shots, with six strikes coming on net.
Clapier played in 12 games for the Zips, including eight starts recording two goals and a pair of assists on the strength of 19 shots, including 10 on goal.
Since 2008, Akron leads the country with eight players chosen among the top-five selections in the MLS SuperDraft. The Zips also boast the highest total of players picked among the top-10 draftees over the same span with 13.
Players selected in the draft with remaining collegiate eligibility who do not sign with their drafted club have the option of returning to their collegiate teams next season with drafting teams retaining their playing rights.
Developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as 50 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall picks Joao Moutinho in 2018 and Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012 - just to name a few. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (8).
Shokalook was drafted with the sixth selection of the second round (35th overall) by Chicago Fire FC. Henry heard his name called with the 10th pick of the second round (39th overall) by CF Montreal, while Clapier was selected with the 22nd choice of the second round (51st overall) by Sporting Kansas City.
Shokalook, Henry and Clapier become the 31st, 32nd and 33rd Zips to be drafted during the MLS SuperDraft overall with their selections.
A Second-Team United Soccer Coaches All-America honoree, Shokalook started all 17 games in which he appeared for Akron this season en route to leading the Zips in goals (14), assists (5), points (33), shots (83), shots on goal (41) and game-winners (3). He rated second in the NCAA in in shots per outing (4.88) and in shots on goal per match (2.41), third points per tilt (1.94), fifth in goals per game (0.82), sixth in total points (33), seventh in total goals (14) and 48th in game-winning goals (3).
He ranked first in the BIG EAST in goals (0.82), points (1.94) and shots (4.88) per game as well as leading the league in total goals (14), shots (83) and points (33). In league-only affairs, Shokalook led the BIG EAST in total shots (43), as well as shots (5.38) per contest, while standing second in total goals (6), total points (15) and goals (0.75) and points (1.88) per contest and seventh in assists per tilt (0.43).
Henry collected United Soccer Coaches all-region accolades for the first time this season en route to helping spearhead Akron's defensive efforts this season that resulted in a league-best 10 shutouts and a 0.56 goals against average.
Henry appeared in 14 games for Akron on the campaign, including 13 starts, and posted four assists on nine shots, with six strikes coming on net.
Clapier played in 12 games for the Zips, including eight starts recording two goals and a pair of assists on the strength of 19 shots, including 10 on goal.
Since 2008, Akron leads the country with eight players chosen among the top-five selections in the MLS SuperDraft. The Zips also boast the highest total of players picked among the top-10 draftees over the same span with 13.
Players selected in the draft with remaining collegiate eligibility who do not sign with their drafted club have the option of returning to their collegiate teams next season with drafting teams retaining their playing rights.
Developing players for the next level has become commonplace for the Akron staff as 50 Zips have gone on to play professionally either in Major League Soccer, USL or overseas since 2006, including No. 1 overall picks Joao Moutinho in 2018 and Steve Zakuani in 2009, and No. 2 overall picks Darlington Nagbe in 2011 and Darren Mattocks in 2012 - just to name a few. Nagbe was part of a draft class that set MLS draft day records for most players drafted from a single school in the first round (5) and overall (8).
Players Mentioned
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