Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell's Michael Lookingland Selected by Real Salt Lake in Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft
2/4/2005 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Feb. 4, 2005
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell's Michael Lookingland was selected with the first pick in the second round of the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft Friday by expansion franchise Real Salt Lake. The 13th overall choice, he becomes the first Bison ever drafted by an MLS team, and just the sixth Patriot League player chosen by the premier professional soccer league in the United States.
The two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year, Lookingland copped a number of postseason awards following his senior season this past fall. Along with earning a spot on the All-Patriot League First Team for the second consecutive year, Lookingland was named first team All-Region by the NSCAA for the third straight year and was honored as a third team All-American by College Soccer News.
A starter in all 76 games during his time in Lewisburg, and a three-time member of the All-Patriot League squads, Lookingland became just the second two-time Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year this fall. A team co-captain, Lookingland was an integral part of a defense that posted four shutouts and allowed just 27 goals. In addition to his defensive abilities, the Fallston, Md., native scored one goal and assisted on another this year. His lone score of the season, which increased his career total to four goals, came on a penalty kick during a 3-1 victory over Army.
"I am glad to get the opportunity to try to make a career out of soccer," said Lookingland shortly after finding out he was drafted. "I am looking forward to facing the challenges that are ahead of me.
"When I first came to Bucknell one of my goals was to play professionally. I realized no one from Bucknell had accomplished that before, but I wanted to become the first. I am happy with my decision to come here (Bucknell), and proud I was able to be a true student-athlete. I hope my getting drafted can help the soccer program in the future. Hopefully recruits see if I can do it, then they can too."
Lookingland, who is scheduled to graduate in May, is planning to complete his final semester of classes at Bucknell before joining Real Salt Lake on a permanent basis. He was the first of two Patriot League players chosen in the draft. American's Shawn Kuykendall was selected with the 12th pick in the fourth round.
"This is a special day for our program, and obviously for Mike," said Bucknell head coach Brendan Nash. "Before enrolling at Bucknell, Mike set a goal to play professional soccer without sacrificing his education, and we have always kept that in mind during his career.
"Mike established himself as one of the best defenders to ever come through our program, as well as the Patriot League, during his four years. I have always felt Mike was one of the best defenders in the country and now he will get the chance to prove that on the professional level."
Real Salt Lake became the second major league sports organization in Utah, and the 12th team in the 10-year-old MLS, when it was formed last July. Dave Checketts, who spent the better part of the last decade overseeing the NBA New York Knicks and various other New York sports and media interests, is the owner of the franchise which will begin its first season in April.
Bucknell finished the 2004 campaign with a 7-9-3 record. After completing the regular season with a 4-2-1 Patriot League mark, the Bison clinched the third seed in the league's postseason tournament. Bucknell played second-seeded Lehigh to a 0-0 before falling 6-5 in a shootout in the semifinals.
