ST. LOUIS - Saint Louis forward Mike
Roach (St. Louis, Mo./Chaminade) was drafted by the New England Revolution
in today's Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft. Roach was the No. 3 pick in
the fourth round.
"We are happy for Mike and
excited about this opportunity," SLU head coach Mike McGinty said. "I enjoyed the opportunity to coach Mike for two
years. He has withstood a number of setbacks out of his control, and he's kept
his head up and has done everything the right way. Mike deserves this
opportunity. We are always excited to see our players pursue their dreams,
whether it be in their professional lives or on the playing field."
Roach transferred to SLU after
his freshman season at Indiana and made an immediate impact as a Billiken. During
his sophomore season in 2009, Roach led the team with 24 points (11G, 2A) and guided
the Billikens to the A-10 Tournament title, earning Most Outstanding Player honors
at the tourney in the process.
Roach missed the majority of
2010 with an injury, appearing in only six matches. In limited action late in
the season, he scored against Temple and assisted on a game-tying goal that
helped deliver a crucial draw against Massachusetts in A-10 play.
Roach's senior season also was
impacted by an injury. Despite missing six games, he finished third on the team
with eight points, which included a team-leading four assists.
Roach, who is expected to join the Revolution in
their training camp in Arizona, will try to join five other Billikens active in
MLS -
Brandon Barklage (DC United),
Brad Davis (Houston Dynamo),
Jack Jewsbury (Portland Timbers),
Tim Ream (New York Red Bulls) and
Tim Ward (San Jose Earthquakes).