University of North Carolina Athletics
Jackson, Leitch Drafted by MLS
February 11, 2002 | Men's Soccer
Feb. 11, 2002
Orlando, Fla. -- Former University of North Carolina men's soccer standouts Danny Jackson and Chris Leitch each were drafted by Major League Soccer teams during last weekend's MLS SuperDraft. Jackson went to Colorado in the second round (16th overall pick) and Leitch went to Columbus in round four (47th overall). It will be a homecoming for Leitch, a native of nearby Baltimore, Ohio.
Held at the All-Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando, the six-round SuperDraft featured the selection of 66 players from the college and professional ranks.
Chris Gbandi, the 2000 Hermann Trophy Winner from the University of Connecticut, was selected by the Dallas Burn with the first overall pick. Gbandi was one of four Huskies taken in the first 30 selections. A three-time All-American at Connecticut, the 6-0, 180- pound defender was the first player ever to earn Big East Defensive Player of the Year honors in three consecutive seasons.
In other MLS news, former Tar Heel midfielder/defender Carey Talley has been traded by D.C. United to the Kansas City Wizards for future considerations. Talley was originally acquired by United in the second round of the 1998 MLS College Draft with the 14th overall pick. During his tenure with the Black-and-Red, Talley helped the club capture three championship titles: the MLS Cup (1999), the CONCACAF Champions Cup (1998) and the Interamerican Cup (1998).
"It was a difficult decision to trade Carey Talley to Kansas City," said United Technical Director Dave Kasper. "However, this transaction was necessary to enable both roster and salary cap space. I wish him all the best."
Talley started 20 of 22 games in which he appeared in 2001, notching two goals and three assists while being second on the team in minutes played with 1,890. He scored his first goal v. New England on May 9, 2001 and recorded his first assist v. San Jose three days later (5/12).
During his four-year career with the Black-and-Red, Talley started 83 of 109 games in which he appeared. He tallied nine goals and 10 assists for 28 points.
