With the tenth pick in the 2013 MLS Superdraft, the Seattle Sounders selected Eriq Zavaleta from the 2012 National Champions, Indiana University.
Eriq Zavaleta has been a high-caliber player for a long time, having spent his sophomore and junior years in high school at the U.S. Soccer U-17 National Team Residency Program in Bradenton, Florida. As NSCAA All-American his junior year, he helped push the U-17 U.S. National Team to the round of 16 at the 2009 U-17 World Cup. Currently a part of the U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team pool, he has spent time with the Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA, and Columbus Crew academy teams.
Zavaleta celebrated his sophmore year at Indiana University with a breath-taking season leading the Hoosier attack to an NCAA College Cup. The 6’1” forward was devastating in attack for Indiana, leading the team with 18 goals in 24 games in the autumn of 2012.
In the 16 wins that Indiana racked up on their way to their eighth national title, Zavaleta was crucial in a series of key games. He scored the game winner against North Carolina in the Quarterfinal of the NCAA Playoffs at Fetzer Field, which is UNC’s home. Zavaleta also set up the winning goal in the Championship game, playing in Patrick Doody and essentially clinching the title for the Hoosiers in a very close game.
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What makes Zavaleta so interesting to most people and coaches is the fact that he can play as a central defender. It’s more than likely that his goal-scoring boots will be put to more use than his defensive abilities, especially with the huge departure of Fredy Montero. The former Hoosier should be able to come into his own rather quickly in the MLS with his experience at the high level, but, at the same time, it could take a little while for the young forward to break into the squad, given that he is only 20 years old.
The biggest thing that Eriq Zavaleta brought to the table in 2012 was his shots on goal efficiency, making him a constant threat to the opposition as his high volume of shots found the frame rather often.
In 95 shots taken, Zavaleta struck 44 of those on frame, giving him a shots on goal efficiency of .463. It may not seem like a high number, but remember that the Hooisers only played 24 games in their season. That’s a staggering number at the college level and actually led to the forward scoring seven game winners for Indiana, nearly half of their wins on the season. He didn’t have many chances from the spot, but converted both of the penalty kicks that the Hoosiers had for the season.
As a very intelligent player, he is able to split open defenses with diverse attacking runs and has a sweet set of goal-scoring boots. The Sounders did well to trade up from their 16th pick to get the 10th pick overall and grab this very promising player. His strong stature and eye for goal could make this Indiana native very deadly in the MLS.
(image courtesy of rednationonline.ca)
