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University of North Carolina Athletics
Trio Of Tar Heels Taken In MLS SuperDraft
December 19, 2025 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – University of North Carolina men's soccer saw a trio of Tar Heels selected in the MLS SuperDraft on Thursday. Jack Sandmeyer was selected 18th overall by Chicago Fire, while Dylan Kropp went 25th to Real Salt Lake. Luca Nikolai heard his name called with the 87th overall selection by New York City FC. The three selections matched the program's output from last season and the Heels had two first rounders for the first time since 2015.
In his lone season with the Tar Heels, Sandmeyer started all 20 matches as the central defensive midfielder. He logged 1,809 minutes out of a possible 1,840 en route to third-team All-ACC honors. Sandmeyer scored two goals on the year and anchored a defense that finished 26th nationally in goals against average, while helping produce eight clean sheets.
A second-team All-ACC and All-South Region selection, Kropp anchored a defense that finished the season ranked 26th nationally in goals against average. He started all 20 matches and played 1,825 of a possible 1,840 minutes during the season. Kropp also contributed to eight shutouts and scored one goal on the year.
Nikolai also started all 20 matches on defense and in the midfield and was named second-team All-ACC and third-team All-South Region. He scored three goals and contributed seven assists for 13 points, while leading the team in shots with 55. Nikolai also contributed to the defensive efforts as one of the nation's top two-way players.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
In his lone season with the Tar Heels, Sandmeyer started all 20 matches as the central defensive midfielder. He logged 1,809 minutes out of a possible 1,840 en route to third-team All-ACC honors. Sandmeyer scored two goals on the year and anchored a defense that finished 26th nationally in goals against average, while helping produce eight clean sheets.
A second-team All-ACC and All-South Region selection, Kropp anchored a defense that finished the season ranked 26th nationally in goals against average. He started all 20 matches and played 1,825 of a possible 1,840 minutes during the season. Kropp also contributed to eight shutouts and scored one goal on the year.
Nikolai also started all 20 matches on defense and in the midfield and was named second-team All-ACC and third-team All-South Region. He scored three goals and contributed seven assists for 13 points, while leading the team in shots with 55. Nikolai also contributed to the defensive efforts as one of the nation's top two-way players.
Stay up to date with UNC men's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
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