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Former Pitt scoring whiz Edward Kizza selected by New England Revolution in MLS Draft

Photo by Ed Thompson

Former Pitt forward Edward Kizza was selected by the New England Revolution in the first round of the 2021 MLS draft on Thursday afternoon.

Kizza was chosen with the 24th overall pick.

As a key player who helped turn a struggling Pitt men’s program around under the direction of Jay Vidovich, Kizza scored 31 goals in 53 appearances over three seasons from 2017-19.

The 5-foot-9 forward led the Panthers in scoring during his sophomore and junior seasons, tallying 15 and 12 goals in 2018 and 2019, respectively. A two-time All-ACC First-Team selection, Kizza was one of four Panthers to appear in all 20 of Pittsburgh’s contests in 2019 as he finished fourth in the ACC in goals (12) and shots on goal (31), as well as fifth in points (28). His five game-winning goals that season also ranked third in the conference. Kizza’s additional accolades include All-ACC Freshman Team recognition in 2017, two All-ACC Academic Team selections, and an All-South Region Second Team nod in 2018.

At the start of his senior year, Kizza did train with the Panthers and appeared in their exhibition match vs Louisville.  However, shortly after that, it was announced that Kizza had left the university and would not be part of the team for the Fall 2020 season in which Pitt would ascend to the top spot in the Nation.

Kizza became the first-ever first-round draft pick and just the third Pitt alum to be drafted into the top professional soccer league in the United States.

Prior to Kizza, Pitt placed former Panthers midfielders Pol Planellas and Javi Perez in the league as members of the Los Angeles Football Club.

Milestone for @Pitt_MSOC, as Planellas becomes school's first @MLS pick

MLS SuperDraft Day 2: Mertz goes to Rapids; Perez to LAFC

Planellas was selected in the second round of the 2018 draft with the 24th overall pick, and Perez was taken in the third round of the 2019 draft with the 64th overall pick. However, Planellas did not make it out of the preseason in Los Angeles, and Perez saw his career derailed by injury issues.

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).

Glory on the Grass

Riverhounds MF Kenardo Forbes

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