Three Clemson Players Drafted By MLS Teams

Feb. 5, 2001

DAVIE, Fla. – Three Clemson men’s soccer players were selected in the Major League Soccer (MLS) draft being held Monday at the Signature Grand in Davie, FL.

Clemson’s senior forward Mark Lisi was the third pick in the first round by DC United.

The draft, where all twelve MLS clubs build for the future, select the best Project-40, college, A-League, and international players available in six rounds.

Lisi, a native of Englewood, CO, was a senior for the Tigers in the 2000 season. He led Clemson with 15 goals and eight assists for 38 points as a senior. He earned a place on the NSCAA Division I First Team All-American list. He was also a member of the All-ACC First Team in 1998, 1999, and 2000. Lisi was also honored by being named a first -team All-American by SoccerTimes.Com. He was also named as one of Soccer America’s 11 MVPs. Lisi finished a stellar four-year career at Clemson with 43 goals, 37 assists and 103 points.

Pablo Webster was the 12th pick in the fourth round (48th pick overall) by the Kansas City Wizards. Webster, a defender, led Clemson in assists as a senior with 12. He played and started all 19 of the Tigers’ games last season. He finished his four-year career with two goals and 19 assists for 23 points. The 6-0, 165 pound defender is from Columbia, MD.

Mike Potempa was the ninth pick in the sixth round (69th Overall) by the Los Angeles Galaxy. The Defender is from Hunt Valley, MD. This past season, he was named second-team All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He was also named first-team Academic All-American by the NSCAA. Potempa was also honored by being named a second-team All-American by SoccerTimes.Com.

Potempa had one assist during 2000, finishing his career with five points playing in a defensive role Potempa started all 80 matches he played in during his Clemson career.

Over the years, 11 Clemson players have been selected in the MLS Draft. Lisi is the highest a Clemson player has ever been drafted. The Tigers have had three players drafted in the first round over the years.

CLEMSON PLAYERS PICKED IN THE MLS DRAFT