PORTLAND, Ore. -
Forward Collen Warner, a member of the Timbers U-23s inaugural team in 2009, today took the first step towards his professional soccer career. The Univ. of Portland standout was selected No. 15 overall in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft.
Warner was a first-round selection of defending-MLS Cup champion Real Salt Lake Thursday at the adidas MLS SuperDraft in Philadelphia, Pa. His selection came as part of a late, first-round trade between Salt Lake and the Los Angeles Galaxy, which also included the move of veteran Clint Mathis to the Galaxy. As MLS Cup 2009 finalists, Salt Lake and Los Angeles held the final two picks of the first round.
“Collen made an immediate impact with the Timbers U-23s,” said
Amos Magee
, Director of Soccer Development for the Timbers. “We’re excited for the Portland soccer community and the Timbers U-23s program that one of our own was selected in the first round of the SuperDraft. We wish him well as he embarks on a professional career.”
Warner was one of two college players from Oregon selected in the first round of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. Oregon State forward
Danny Mwanga
was the No. 1 overall pick in the draft by the expansion Philadelphia Union.
The Denver, Colo., native was a part of a successful first season for the Timbers U-23s in the Premier Development League in 2009. Warner played in six matches and logged two game-winning goals to help the Timbers U-23s to an 11-2-3 record and a playoff appearance.
Warner recently completed an accomplished collegiate career at the University of Portland, earning three All-West Coast Conference first-team selections. His career totals with the Pilots, include 20 goals and 20 assists in 79 career games. Warner led the Pilots to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA College Cup his senior season in 2009.
Following the recent NCAA season, Warner was one of 75 professional prospects invited to attend the MLS Combine in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., last weekend. The four-day showcase featured some of the best collegiate and youth players from around the United States.
