Duquesne’s Jayden Da selected by MLS Champions Columbus Crew in SuperDraft’s first round

Photo courtesy Duquesne University athletics

In somewhat of a surprise pick, Major League Soccer’s Champions Columbus Crew selected Duquesne University’s Jayden Da with the 29th overall pick in the First Round of the MLS SuperDraft.

With the 29th overall pick of the MLS SuperDraft pres. by @adidasfootball, the Columbus Crew select Jayden Da.#Crew96 | #VamosColumbus pic.twitter.com/ZfjVvznkBU

— The Crew (@ColumbusCrew) December 19, 2023

With this selection, Da becomes the first Duquesne University player to be selected in the first round of the MLS SuperDraft.

“We’re very happy for Jayden and his family,” Duquesne head coach Chase Brooks added in a University release.

“The Columbus Crew are a great organization and defending MLS champions. The trust and confidence they showed in Jayden by picking him in the first round is amazing, and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him.”

Da, a native of Rockville, Md., appeared in 16 games for the Dukes in 2023, including 13 starts. He ranked second for Duquesne in shots (35), shots on goal (19), goals (7) and points (17) en route to being named to the 2023 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team.

Registering a point in each of the first six games of the year, Da posted five goals and a pair of assists during that stretch, including both goals in a 2-1 win at Niagara (9/9). Da finished with a trio of game-winning goals during the 2023 season. For his efforts, Da earned a spot on the 2023 All-Atlantic 10 Second Team.

Over the last three seasons, Da has appeared in 46 games for the Dukes, earning 14 starts. He owns 20 career points thanks to eight goals and four assists and has accumulated 48 shots, including 24 on goal. Da has also been successful on his only career attempt with a penalty kick, scoring at Davidson (10/4) earlier this season.