TWO NPSL PLAYERS GO IN FINAL TWO ROUNDS OF MLS SUPERDRAFT

Virginia Beach City FC forward Sidney Rivera (Orlando City) and Tulsa Athletics defender Tony Rocha (Sporting KC) were selected on Tuesday in the final two rounds of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft.

Orlando City selected Rivera from Old Dominion University (ODU). In 48 matches played, the forward scored 11 goals during four seasons with ODU. In 2014, Rivera led the team in goals and was named Conference USA Tournament Offensive MVP.

“It was great, something I’ve dreamed about my whole life,” Rivera stated. “It’s going to be a great opportunity. I’ll have time to grow and develop as a player.  I’m excited to work with Adrian Heath, someone who has a reputation for molding great strikers.”

Rocha, 21, was a four-year starter at the University of Tulsa where he recorded seven goals and 10 assists in 76 college appearances. After being named Conference USA Freshman of the Year in 2011, Rocha led the Golden Hurricane to three straight conference championship appearances. Tulsa earned automatic berths into the NCAA Tournament in 2012 and 2014 after winning conference championships in both Conference USA and the American Athletic Conference.

“In regards to Rocha, he played three different positions: left back, left winger and left-central midfielder,”  Sporting KC Manager Peter Vermes said. “He’s a pretty versatile guy.”

As a youth, Rocha was a member of the United States Under-14 Boys’ National Team identification camp in 2006 alongside current U.S. Men’s National Team players Jon Kempin, Wil Trapp, Will Packwood, and DeAndre Yedlin.