Zavaleta drafted by Seattle Sounders F.C.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Former IU men's soccer player Eriq Zavaleta was selected by Seattle Sounders F.C. Thursday afternoon at the 2013 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

A sophomore from Westfield, Ind., Zavaleta was chosen with the 10th overall pick in the draft. He is the first Hoosier to be drafted in the top 10 since Kevin Alston was selected by the New England Revolution in the 2009 MLS SuperDraft.

In the 2012 season, the forward led IU to its eighth national championship with a team-leading 18 goals, 40 points and seven game-winning shots.

Zavaleta now joins his father, Carlos, and uncle Greg Vanney as professional soccer players. Carlos played for the El Salvadorian national team, as well as in the American Soccer League.

Vanney meanwhile was a defender for the Los Angeles Galaxy for seven seasons in his career, and made 36 appearances for the United States Men's National Team from 1996-2006.

Seattle Sounders F.C. is one of the newest MLS franchises, founded in 2007. Zavaleta is the first Hoosier to be drafted by the team in its history.