CSU's Stuver Tabbed 32nd in MLS SuperDraft

INDIANAPOLIS --Cleveland State senior  Brad Stuver was selected No. 32 overall by the Montreal Impact in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon. Stuver, who became the first-ever MLS Draft pick for CSU, joins former Viking Josh Williams (Columbus Crew) as the two current CSU men's soccer players in the MLS.

"First and foremost we are so proud of Brad for everything that he has accomplished since becoming a Viking, and from day one he has had his eyes set on this goal and he knew that he could reach this level," associate head coach TJ Kolba said. "With the amount of work that Brad put in during the season and during the off season you could see that he would make it to the next level. It is very satisfying to see him reach this goal and it is very suiting for him to be the top goalkeeper drafted after everything he has done to reach this level. To have a local kid continue their education at Cleveland State and then go on to reach the MLS really says a lot for the athletic department and the university."

Stuver, a four-year starter in goal for the Vikings, capped his CSU career by earning second team All-Horizon League and third team All-Great Lakes Region honors this year after playing every minute for the Vikings. He was named the MVP of the Horizon League Championship after leading CSU to the 2012 title, earning their first trip to the NCAA Tournament since 1980.

In his final season at CSU, Stuver made 81 saves and posted an 0.86 goals against average. He also recorded nine shutouts, tied for the second most in a season in CSU history.

"This is a great day for being picked up by a professional team," Stuver said. "I'm grateful to Montreal for giving me a chance to pursue my career at a higher level. It's exciting to give Cleveland State another player in Major League Soccer and I'm very proud to be here and I can't wait for the next step."

Stuver concluded his career ranked first in the Cleveland State career record book in minutes played (6,397), second in games played (71) and games started by a goalkeeper (67) and third in goals against average (1.13), saves (292) and shutouts (9). As a junior he was also named to the second team All-Horizon League, while earning first team All-Horizon League, Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year and third team All-Great Lakes Region honors as a sophomore.

Stuver, who recently participated in the 2013 MLS Combine, was the first goalkeeper to be drafted and was the fourth selection for the Impact joining; MF-Blake Smith (University of New Mexico), MF-Fernando Monge (UCLA) and MF-Paolo DelPiccolo (University of Louisville).

Last season Montreal posted a 12-16 record and finished seventh in the Eastern Conference of the MLS.

(Release courtest of CSU Athletics)