Column: Zavaleta, Soffner join elite class of Hoosiers in MLS

The legacy of IU soccer athletes playing on the next level continues.

Former forward Eriq Zavaleta and goalkeeper Luis Soffner join a fraternity of former Hoosiers playing in the MLS.

Zavaleta was drafted with the No. 10 pick to Seattle Sounders F.C. in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

The New England Revolution grabbed Soffner in the second round with the 36th pick overall.

Two of the main reasons why IU won its eighth national title was because of Zavaleta’s ability to score and Soffner’s clutch play during the NCAA tournament.

Zavaleta scored 18 goals in 24 games played and had seven game-winners on the season.

Soffner’s career had its ups and downs, but he really came into his own during the NCAA tournament, when he had three shutouts and provided the team with needed senior leadership.

Winning another national title helped the Hoosiers continue success for their storied program.

Every great soccer program has a tradition of talented athletes to back it up.

There have been more than 40 IU players that are either currently playing or have played on the professional level.

Soffner joins former Hoosiers Kevin Alston and Lee Nguyen on the Revolution team.

Although there are no Hoosiers on the Sounders, Zavaleta will be a part of a rivalry with the Portland Timbers, who has former IU midfielder Eric Alexander on the roster.

Alexander (@ExDoesIt17) tweeted, “Welcome to the rivalry @_Air_RIQ_ #Hoosiers” Thursday afternoon.

Former Hoosiers can be seen throughout the MLS, but one player is having a major impact on the next level.

Former IU forward Will Bruin was drafted with the 11th pick by the Houston Dynamo just two years ago.

In his first year with the team, Bruin scored five goals in 25 appearances.

Bruin followed it up with a stellar sophomore season scoring 12 goals, which was tied for ninth in the league.

There are some noticeable similarities between Bruin and Zavaleta.

Both played forward for IU, led the team in scoring and were drafted in the top-15 in the MLS SuperDraft.

Also, before Bruin and Zavaleta entered the MLS SuperDraft, they were both named to Generation adidas, a group of talented American players ready for the next level.

We will see if Zavaleta can have the same success that Bruin has had in his first two years in the league.

Zavaleta and Soffner are ready to start new chapters of their lives.

Although they won’t be wearing the crimson and cream kits anymore, they will always be Hoosiers.

Zavaleta and Soffner came to Indiana to win a national title, and that’s what they were able to do.

Both players have had success at the collegiate level, but will that continue on the professional level?

It remains to be seen.  

­— amsiegal@indiana.edu