Jan. 14, 2005

BALTIMORE - Former Wake Forest men's soccer players, defender Michael Parkhurst, forward Scott Sealy and defender James Riley, were selected in Friday's 2005 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas at the Baltimore Convention Center today. Parkhurst was taken by the New England Revolution with the ninth pick of the first round, while Sealy was selected by the Kansas City Wizards with the 11th pick of the first round. Riley, who was chosen with the ninth choice of the second round, will join Parkhurst in New England.

"Any time your program produces three players chosen in the first two rounds of MLS SuperDraft, it is a special day," said head coach Jay Vidovich. "Michael, Scott and James are so deserving and will make tremendous additions to the their respective clubs. I could not be any more excited for all of them. I feel like a proud father today, no question."

Parkhurst and Sealy are the first ever first round picks from Wake Forest. The Demon Deacons were the only school to have three players selected in the first 21 picks of the draft. Parkhurst, Sealy and Riley are the third, fourth and fifth players in the past two years to get drafted in the MLS SuperDraft top three rounds. Brian Carroll (2003) and Ben Stafford (2001) also went in the second and third rounds, respectively.

Parkhurst has now been named NSCAA All-South first team each of the past two years. He not only started all 21 matches this season, but was in the starting lineup for every match for the Demon Deacons the past three years -- a span of 62 consecutive starts at central defender. In those three seasons, Parkhurst helped the Deacs to a pair of ACC regular season titles, twice earned the top seed in the NCAA Tournament and an overall record of 44-12-6. He was named 2004 ACC Defensive Player of the Year and first team All-ACC for the second consecutive year. Parkhurst was also named NSCAA / adidas All-America second team in 2003.

Parkhurst, who grew up in Cranston, R.I. as a Revolution fan, was in the stands at Foxboro Stadium for the first-ever Revolution game.

"He's a soccer player, pure and simple," said Revolution head coach Steve Nicol. "He's good on the ball. He passes the ball well and he's a good defender. We drafted him first and foremost because of his ability on the field. The fact that he's a New England kid and supported the Revolution is obviously a bonus."

"This is big step in my career, turning professional," said Parkhurst. "It's a great opportunity for me here with the Revolution, being from Rhode Island. "I'm just looking forward to getting to know my teammates, the system and the coaching staff. Steve Nicol is a great guy and a great coach and I'm really looking forward to getting to play for him."

Sealy, a native of Petit Valley, Trinidad, closed his Wake Forest career as one of the most prolific scorers in Demon Deacon history. He finished second on the career chart for goals (43) and points (108). Sealy also finished in a tie for fourth place on the all-time assists chart with 22. He led Wake Forest in 2004 with 17 goals, 10 assists and 44 points. For his effort, he was named 2004 ACC Offensive Player of the Year and first team All-ACC. Sealy was named All-ACC second team in 2003.

Sealy now joins former All-American goalkeeper and Wake Forest teammate William Hesmer with the Wizards.

"I am just excited for the opportunity to not only play in the MLS, but with the Kansas City Wizards," said Sealy. "It is also great because I get to play with Willy (William Hesmer). He has been there and knows the guys so it will be nice to join them. This is a definitely a new start to my career. I looked at my career at Wake Forest as a tremendous foundation toward my professional career. The coaching staff definitely prepared me to be successful at this level."

Riley, a native of Colorado Spring, Colo., ended his career as one of the most versatile and consistent players in program history. Riley played in the back and midfield yet remained one of the top players in the entire ACC. Riley played in 82 games and started 79 for the Deacs. He scored three goals and registered 14 assists in his career.

"I appreciate this wonderful opportunity," said Riley. "Parky (Michael Parkhurst) and I played together in the back the last three seasons, so I think that combination is fantastic. "My versatility is my strength. I enjoy playing as an attacking back and getting forward. I think I can put a lot of miles in on the flanks."

- WakeForestSports.com -