Connect with us

College Soccer

H-Town Bound: Pitt’s Arturo Ordonez selected by Houston Dynamo with 39th overall pick

Photo courtesy Pitt Athletics

A stalwart along the back line for much of the past three seasons and one of the program’s leaders, Pitt men’s soccer center back was selected by Houston Dynamo with the 39th overall selection in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday afternoon.

As a key anchor along the back line the past three seasons, Ordoñez finished the 2021 season with three goals, one assist and 18 shots in 19 games played.

The Salou, Spain, native was a pivotal piece to the Panther back line that earned six shutouts this season and set a school record with 11 wins at home. Ordoñez‘s efforts on the field earned him All-ACC Second Team and All-ACC Tournament Team honors.

In addition to Ordonez, Pitt’s Jasper Löeffelsend was also selected on Tuesday, in the 81st round, by Real Salt Lake.

Pitt’s Jasper Löeffelsend selected 81st overall in MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake

Alexander Dexter are also on the eligible list of players for this year’s draft, which will go three rounds.

Pathway to the Pros: Three Panthers land on eligibility list ahead of Tuesday’s MLS SuperDraft


Panthers Drafted Under Head Coach Jay Vidovich

2018 – Pol Planellas – Second Round, 24th Overall Pick – Los Angeles FC
2019 – Javi Perez – Third Round, 64th Overall Pick – Los Angeles FC
2021 – Edward Kizza – First Round, 24th Overall Pick – New England Revolution
2022 – Arturo Ordoñez – Second Round, 39th Overall Pick – Houston Dynamo
2022 – Jasper Löeffelsend – Third Round, 81st Overall Pick – Real Salt Lake

In addition, Bryce Washington signed a homegrown contract with Atlanta United FC in June of 2021 following the conclusion of the College Cup

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

Subscribe to PGH Soccer Now

Enter your email address to subscribe to PGH Soccer Now and receive notifications of new posts by email.

More in College Soccer