SAN DIEGO – San Diego State defender Aleks Berkolds (Northridge, Calif.) was selected in the third round (68th overall) by the Seattle Sounders in the MLS SuperDraft Monday morning.
"It feels amazing to have this opportunity with such a great club, and also knowing that all the sacrifice I put into this sport is paying off," Berkolds said. "I'm going to work hard every day to show what I have to offer."
Berkolds was a stalwart for the Aztecs' backline in 2018. He started all 18 matches on defense for SDSU and was never subbed out.
"It was great to have Aleks return for his senior year and impact the Pac-12 in a big way," Head Coach Lev Kirshner said. "He falls in line with a number of prominent Aztecs who have been drafted and we wish him the best of luck as he continues to chase his dream."
Berkolds joins Jamel Wallace (2009) and Daniel Steres (2012) as Aztec defenders to be drafted by the Sounders. He is the first Aztec to be drafted since Jordan Ongaro was selected by the Montreal Impact in 2014. SDSU has now had six players taken in the MLS SuperDraft since 2009.
The Sounders open training camp next week and play their season opener against FC Cincinnati on March 2.
It was a busy day for the Aztecs as Damian German (Phoenix, Ariz.) was also signed to contract by Real Salt Lake's USL squad, the Real Monarchs. German came to SDSU for the 2018 season after spending three years at Grand Canyon. He immediately became one of the Aztecs' top playmakers and led the team in shots and was second in goals (5) and points (11). After the year, he was named to the all-Pac-12 first team and to the all-far West region third team.
"It's a great feeling. Ever since I was a kid playing in the streets, all I could dream of was becoming a professional soccer player," German said. "I'm thankful to all the SDSU staff for welcoming me and making this opportunity possible."