Former Hoosiers kick off pro careers in MLS draft

A pair of former IU men’s soccer defenders, Tommy Meyer and Chris Estridge, will both continue their soccer careers at the professional level after learning Thursday afternoon that they were selected in the first and second rounds, respectively, of the 2012 MLS Super Draft.

Meyer was taken off the board by the defending champion Los Angles Galaxy with the 19th and final pick in the first round. A member of IU’s defensive attack for the past four years, Meyer made the All-Big Ten First Team after his senior season where he recorded seven assists, second-best in the conference.

Estridge was chosen just two picks after his teammate in the second round by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC with the 21st pick of the draft. Estridge began his college soccer career with Wake Forest before transferring to Indiana for his junior and senior years. He joined Meyer on the All-Big Ten First Team and scored three goals while adding five assists in his senior campaign.

Meyer and Estridge led IU to a Sweet 16 appearance in this past fall’s NCAA tournament, where they fell to the eventual national champion North Carolina Tarheels in overtime 1-0.