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

One of the most dynamic players in recent program history for Pitt men’s soccer, Jasper Löeffelsend was selected by Real Salt Lake with the 81st overall selection in the third round of the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday afternoon.

The speedy outside back/winger from Cologne, Germany, who came to Pitt as a Graduate Student, was a consistent playmaker for the Panthers — amassing 18 assists in two seasons with the program.

Löeffelsend won ACC’s Defensive Player of the Year and earned Second Team All-America honors in the 2020-21 and 2021 seasons, becoming the first two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American in program history. He finished the 2020-21 season as one of the best passers in the country and kept that status throughout the 2021 campaign, currently ranking* 18th in the country and second in the Atlantic Coast Conference in total assists (9) and 14th in the nation and second in the league in assists per game (0.53). He concluded the year with two goals, nine assists and 11 shots in 17 games played.

Earlier in the second round, Loeffelsend’s teammate at Pitt, Arturo Ordonez, was selected with the 39th overall pick by the Houston Dynamo.

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

In addition, Ordonez and Loeffelsend’s teammate, Alexander Dexter was also on the list of eligible players in the SuperDraft, but was not selected.


Pitt 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

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