Tchani Selected Second Overall In MLS SuperDraft; LaBauex Drafted In Second Round

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CHARLOTTESVILLE – Tony Tchani, a midfielder for Virginia’s 2009 NCAA Champion men’s soccer team, was selected second overall by the New York Red Bulls in the 2010 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft Thursday in Philadelphia. Additionally, Ross LaBauex was selected seventh in the second round by the Colorado Rapids (23rd overall).

Tchani (Norfolk, Va.) wrapped up his Cavalier career with 17 goals, seven assists and 41 points. He was a first team All-America selection by both the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) and College Soccer News.

A semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, Tchani was also a first team All-South Atlantic Region selection by the NSCAA, and was named to all-tournament teams at both the NCAA College Cup and the ACC Tournament.

He was named a second team All-ACC selection and an MVP by Soccer America.

In 2009, Tchani scored eight goals (two game-winning) and tallied four assists for the NCAA Champion Cavaliers. Virginia finished the year with a 19-3-3 overall record and a No. 1 national ranking.

Tchani became the 10th-ever first round draft pick for the Cavaliers, and was the highest drafted UVa player in the MLS SuperDraft since Bakary Soumare in 2007, who was also a No. 2 overall selection. Former Virginia forward Alecko Eskandarian was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2003 MLS Draft.

LaBauex, meanwhile, was a senior captain for the 2009 Cavs. In 2009 he finished with a goal (game-winning), an assist and three points. He was named to the All-South Atlantic Region third team by the NSCAA.

LaBauex finished his four-year career with 10 goals, nine assists and 29 points.

Virginia has had 42 players go on to play in MLS in the history of the program.