Former Liberty University men’s soccer forward Darryl Roberts and defender Osei Telesford were selected in the second round of the 2007 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft held via teleconference earlier today.
Roberts and Telesford became the second and third Flames soccer players to be drafted by a MLS team. Roberts, a native of Trincity, Trinidad, was taken by Toronto FC with the 14th pick of the draft, while Telesford, a native of San Juan, Trinidad, was chosen with the 21st overall selection by the Chicago Fire. Defender Hollis Donaldson was the first Liberty player taken in MLS Draft when the Fire picked him in the fourth round of the 2005 Supplemental Draft.
This is a great day for Darryl, Osei and their families. They have both worked very hard during their time at LU and have embraced our philosophy of developing daily academically, athletically, socially, and spiritually," stated Liberty Head Coach Jeff Alder. "During the recruiting process five years ago we shared with them that the reward in the end would be greater than the sacrifice, so I'm personally excited to see the investment of time and talent come to fruition."
It is also a great day for Liberty University and our men's soccer program as we continue to try to identify the top Christian student-athletes who have a desire to compete at the Division 1 level in a Christian environment. It is proof positive that you can get an education based on Biblical principles and still pursue your dreams and aspirations of becoming a professional soccer player."
Roberts became Liberty’s all-time leading scorer during his final season as a Flame this past fall. The forward scored four goals and assisted on three others in 10 contests in 2006 to finish his career with 94 points, eclipsing James Wright’s mark of 89, set from 1992 to 1994. Roberts was also selected to his second All-South Atlantic Region team with his spot on the third team. He was named to the second team as freshman in 2002. In addition, he was named to his third Big South All-Conference second team to go along with a first team selection in 2002. In 2002, Roberts was selected a Freshman All-American after scoring a nation-high 17 goals.
Telesford finished his senior season this past fall by being named to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-South Atlantic Region First Team for the second-straight year. In addition, he was named to his fourth successive Big South All-Conference team. His selection this season was his third to the conference’s first team to go along with one second team mention. One of the two captains for the Flames in 2006, Telesford was a key member of the Liberty defense which allowed only one goal during a five-game winning streak at season’s end. During the streak, the Flames posted four of the team’s five shutouts. Liberty held opponents scoreless for 347:54 in their last three contests, before Winthrop scored late in a 2-1, OT loss in the Big South Championship semifinals to end the Flames season. This past summer, Telesford was named the Premier Development League’s Defender of the Year.
Currently, both players are members of the Trinidad and Tobago National Team challenging for the 2007 Digicel Caribbean Cup. The two former Flames have helped Trinidad to 2 wins and 1 tie during the Cup. The team will play this Saturday in the semi-finals. Teleford has played every minute in each of Trinidad's three games. Roberts has also played in all three games, netting a goal and adding two assists .