Oregon State soccer was in the national spotlight during the MLS Draft when two players were selected. With the second pick in the draft, MLS newcomers New York City FC, selected forward Khiry Shelton. Another former Beaver standout, Will Seymore, was picked by FC Dallas in the third round of the draft.
Over the past four years these two players have worked their way through the ranks at OSU to become the faces of the Oregon State soccer program. During the 2014 season seniors Khiry Shelton and Will Seymore carried the Beavers to the programs first NCAA tournament appearance since 2003.
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| Will Seymore |
The co-captains came to OSU in the fall of 2011 with high hopes that they would lead the team back to the NCAA tournament. Through four years of ups and downs they finally achieved their goal. The Beavers beat Denver in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Paul Lorentz field, making it the first time the Beavers had advanced to the second round of the tournament.
Of course there were trials and tribulations. Especially for forward Shelton, who was just drafted as the second pick by New York City FC in January’s MLS draft.
Shelton came to Corvallis from Leander, Texas, where he starred as a four-year letterman for Vista Ridge High School. After high school, Shelton was given the opportunity to play for the U.S. U-18 team. In November 2010 Shelton attended a training camp before traveling with the team for a tournament in Israel.
Shelton chose to attend Oregon State with dreams of following in the footsteps of OSU star and former first pick in the MLS draft Danny Mwanga.
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| Khiry Shelton |
However, Shelton’s first three years at OSU did not go as planned. His freshman year he suffered a stress fracture in his foot, which sidelined him. He returned his sophomore year with high hopes, however a sports hernia shortened his season. Shelton was determined to show the Pac-12 his skills, but injured his back in his junior season.
Adversity reveals lots of things about players and no one faced more adversity than Shelton.
“It has made him into the player he is today,” said OSU Head Coach Steve Simmons.
Simmons and his staff knew what Shelton was capable of. They had seen glimpses of the 6 foot 3 inch forward’s power.
In Shelton’s senior season everything came full circle. He starred for the Beavers, leading them in points with 10 goals to go with 12 assists. He became the focal point of the attack and opposing defenders dreaded having to mark him.
Shelton was finally able to show his talent and drew the attention of scouts and critics across the nation. He was named second team All-American. His desire to succeed did not go unnoticed and he was a highly sought after recruit, but didn't want to leave Oregon State.
“The thing about Khiry is he was motivated to play here and had some situations where he could have played professionally and with those injuries he might have been done,” said Simmons.
Shelton was not the only Beaver that saw hard work finally pay off in his senior season.
Seymore’s path to Corvallis was different than most recruits. He grew up in Soham, England, a suburb of Cambridge north of London.
“I was playing for a team in England, and they released me. I had talked to coaches about coming to play in America, and I got recruited by a bunch of places, but decided on OSU,” said Seymore.
In his first few years Seymore played, but struggled trying to get into the flow of the team. He spent hours trying to improve his game and to become the player he knew he could be.
“When everyone comes into college they have areas to improve, and Will really embraced that his first few years. It has made him into the player he is now,” said Simmons.
Due to his hard work and dedication, Seymore became a valuable asset for Coach Simmons. In his junior year, Seymore made a change by moving from center midfield to center back. Simmons believed that the switch not only helped the team, but helped Seymore.
“Will finally showed what he was capable of this year, and we made a big decision to move him to center back. We knew this meant moving a very good central midfield player, but I wanted to have leadership at the back,” said Simmons.
After a fantastic senior year in which Seymore helped the Beavers win an NCAA tournament game, he was drafted by FC Dallas of the MLS. Seymore has joined the team and is competing for a roster spot in training camp. He made his debut for FC Dallas in a preseason game against MLS newcomers Orlando City SC.
“After being drafted by FC Dallas, my goals are to make the roster and stay there. I have enjoyed training camp in Dallas and Florida so far, and I want to cement my place in the team moving forward,” said Seymore.
The Oregon State soccer program is headed in the right direction after these two left their mark. Having Shelton and Seymore drafted continues a history of Oregon State players making it to the professional level.
At a Glance:
Oregon State soccer player Khiry Shelton and Will Seymore were both selected by MLS teams in this January's draft.
Shelton was selected as the overall number two pick in the draft by MLS newcomers New York City FC. Shelton led the Beavers in points last season.
Seymore was selected in the third round by FC Dallas.
Keep up with the players as they both compete to make their respective rosters. The MLS season starts in March and both players will look to make an impact for their new club.
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