Luis Barraza Selected 12th Overall In MLS SuperDraft 2019

CHICAGO – Former Marquette University goalkeeper Luis Barraza was selected by New York City FC with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft 2019 on Friday.

Barraza is the fifth Marquette player all-time to be selected in the MLS SuperDraft and he's the highest selection in program history. The Santa Teresa, New Mexico, native went two spots ahead of former standout center back Axel Sjöberg, who was selected 14th overall by the Colorado Rapids in 2015.

The reigning BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year paired a fantastic senior campaign with a strong week at the MLS Player Combine where he was one of just 70 players invited to participate and display his skills in front of representatives from all 24 MLS clubs. New York City FC traded up to grab Barraza, sending its 19th overall pick to the LA Galaxy for the rights to the 12th overall selection.

Barraza was one of the best keepers in the country in 2018, finishing the season ranked in the nation's top-10 in save percentage (.830) and saves per game (5.20). He ranked 21st overall in total saves (78) and led the Golden Eagles to the BIG EAST tournament final for the first time since 2013.

Upon his draft announcement, Barraza thanked those that helped him along the way such as friends, family and coaches, including the Marquette University coaching staff, led by Louis Bennett, who were in attendance.

"I would like to give a special thanks to Freddy Juarez (RSL Academy) and Louis Bennett, because not only did they teach the ways of the game, but they also taught me the ways of life and for that I am forever grateful," Barraza said at the podium following his selection.

It just got real dusty in here.

Luis Barraza is headed to @NYCFC. https://t.co/zEECQIbar9
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 11, 2019

"I'm ecstatic for Luis, his family and everyone at Marquette that contributed to his success," Bennett said. "He's a person, at 18, who decided to attack the more difficult route and come so far away from home. He showed if you stay the course, you can be successful. We're all very grateful to the Marquette training staff, coaches and athletic department that helped this young man see the way to success through academia, sport and lifestyle.

"We have a history as a program of sending players to the draft and the pros," Bennett added. "We've proven over the years that with a great balance of academia, culture and soccer, we have a lot to offer if you're willing to work."

Barraza joins a long list of players under Bennett who have reached the professional ranks and is the first Marquette goalkeeper selected in the draft since Charlie Lyon ('14), who was picked by the Seattle Sounders in the fourth round (75th overall) in 2015. Other MLS SuperDraft selections include Bryan Ciesiulka (Chicago Fire – 75th overall) in 2014 and Calum Mallace (Montreal Impact – 20th overall), who was the first-ever MLS SuperDraft selection for Marquette back in 2012.

Keep up with the Marquette men's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MarquetteSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteSoccer) and `liking' on Facebook (/MarquetteSoccer).

With the 12th overall pick, @NYCFC take goalkeeper Luis Barraza (@luisbarrazaa) out of @marquettesoccer. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/XTuRLR780W
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 11, 2019

Congrats to @LuisBarrazaa, who becomes the highest @MLS #SuperDraft selection in #MarquetteSoccer program history. He heads to @NYCFC as the 12th overall pick in the first round. #WeAreMarquette pic.twitter.com/qVTsIRygfx
— Marquette Soccer (@marquettesoccer) January 11, 2019