University of Richmond Athletics
Craig Ziadie Selected By D.C. United In MLS Draft
Feb. 5, 2001
RICHMOND, Va. - University of Richmond senior back Craig Ziadie (Kingston, Jamaica/Hotchkiss) has been selected by D.C. United in Major League Soccer's SuperDraft this morning in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. He was the fourth pick in the third round and 28th player selected overall. Ziadie is the first player in program history to be chosen in the MLS Draft.
Ziadie was tabbed the 2000 Colonial Athletic Association Player of the Year, becoming the first Spider to take home the recognition since 1990. He was also selected first-team all-South Atlantic Region and first-team all-state by the Virginia Sports Information Directors. In addition to be tabbed the conference player of the year in 2000, Ziadie was also a first-team All-CAA selection in 1998 and 1999. As a team co-captain, he led a Richmond defense that posted six shutouts on the campaign and outscored its opponents, 27-7 in the team's 11 wins. Even from his sweeper position, Ziadie was one of the Spiders top playmakers, accounting for two goals, three assists and seven total points on the campaign.
Over the weekend, Ziadie participated in the sixth annual 2001 Umbro Select All-Star Classic, which featured the nation's premier graduating senior collegiate soccer players in addition to top national and international pro players. Representatives from the professional leagues as well as the U.S. National Team attended the prestigious Umbro Select.
D.C United, the three-time MLS league champions, open their regular season schedule on Saturday, April 7 versus Kansas City at 7:30 p.m.
Despite being beset by injuries, Richmond notched an 11-7-1 overall record and six of the team's seven losses came by a single goal margin. In addition, the Spiders put together a program-record fifth straight winning season.