Colorado Rapids Select Marquette's Axel Sjoberg In The First Round Of The 2015 MLS SuperDraft

With the 14th pick of the first round of the 2015 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, the Colorado Rapids selected Marquette center back Axel Sjoberg.

The 6'7" Swede recently finished his redshirt junior season at Marquette.  Sjoberg becomes the highest Marquette player ever selected in the MLS SuperDraft, surpassing Calum Mallace (#20 overall in 2012) and Bryan Ciesiulka (75th overall in 2014).  Colorado acquired the pick in a draft day trade with Columbus Crew SC, where the Crew will receive future considerations.

Sjoberg was named to the All-Big East First Team each of the last two seasons, and was named Marquette's team Most Valuable Player both years as well.  Sjoberg excelled on both ends of the field for the Golden Eagles, anchoring Marquette's back line as well as using his size to create havoc on offensive free kicks.  He finishes his Marquette career with 11 goals and nine assists, and was even named Big East Offensive Player of the Week once during his sophomore season.

In fact, the only downside to this whole deal is that Sjoberg gave up his final year of eligibility at Marquette because he's finishing up his degree and there was no reason to continue to pay at least part of his tuition to stay enrolled in grad school just to play soccer.  That decision was made even more obvious and easy given that he's one of just 21 first round picks in the SuperDraft.

You can read more about Sjoberg and the Rapids by visiting our SB Nation friends over at Burgundy Wave.

Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be over at the MLS online store, browsing for a sweet Rapids scarf...