MLS Player Combine Release

Dec. 22, 2017

NEW YORK (SMU/MLS) – Michael Nelson is one of 60 NCAA Division I players to be invited to participate in the 2018 adidas Major League Soccer Player Combine in Orlando, Florida from Jan. 11-17.

Nelson is one of five goalkeepers invited to the annual combine and is looking to become the first Mustang selected in the SuperDraft since Jacob Speed in 2016.

Top collegiate players from across the country will showcase their talents in front of representatives from all 23 MLS clubs. All invited players will be eligible for selection in the 2018 SuperDraft presented by adidas which will take place on Friday, Jan. 19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention.

During his final season on the Hilltop, Nelson racked up several honors and awards. He was named to the United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-America second team and All-East Region first team. On the pitch, he recorded a 17-3-1 record and claimed his third American Athletic Conference Goalkeeper of the Year award. The Katy, Texas, native started all 21 matches in goal for SMU and led the conference in four categories. He finished first in shutouts (10), shutouts per game (0.48), goals against average (0.60) and save percentage (.840). His 10 shutouts and 0.60 goals against average rank 10th and 12th in the nation, respectively. Nelson finished second in the league in saves with 68.

A committee of MLS coaches and NCAA Division I coaches from every conference selected the invitees, all of whom completed their college eligibility this season. Further invitees including Generation adidas signings, non-collegiate players, and additional college seniors will be announced in the coming weeks. 

The Mustangs finished the season ranked No. 8 in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and made their 31st appearance in the NCAA Men's Soccer Championship. SMU advanced to the third round of the NCAA tournament for the 23rd time and the second time in the last three years (2015, 2017).

Click here for the MLS Player Combine list.