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Jeffrey Gonsalves Drafted By Toronto FC In MLS SuperDraft

Gonsalves was Toronto's first pick in the fourth round, going 40th overall.

Jan. 12, 2007

Complete round-by-round MLS SuperDraft selections

KINGSTON, R.I. - Rhode Island men's soccer standout Jeffrey Gonsalves (Markham, Ontario) was selected in the fourth round of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft, held Jan. 12 in Indianapolis, Ind. Gonsalves was picked 40th overall, by the Toronto FC which will kick off its inaugural season in 2007.

 

"Playing professionally is something you always dream about as a kid," said Gonsalves from his home in Markham, a suburb of Toronto. "But being able to play at home, in front of your family and friends, makes it that much more special."

 

With 41 points (18 goals, five assists), Gonsalves finished the season second in the nation in total points (to Notre Dame's Joseph Lapira, who received the prestigious M.A.C. Hermann Trophy as the NSCAA's pick for 2006 Division I Player of the Year). Gonsalves' 18 goals also tied him for second-best in the country (behind Lapira, who scored 22 goals).

 

The senior forward was a Preseason All-Atlantic 10 selection and was named the 2006 A-10 Offensive Player of the Year after finishing the season atop the league in shots (82), points (41), goals (18), and game-winning goals (5). He also recorded his first career hat trick this season, at La Salle on Sept. 29.

 

"Our whole program is extremely excited for Jeff," commented head coach John O'Connor. "He has worked really hard for this and is very well-prepared for what lies ahead of him."

 

A College Soccer News All-American, two-time team captain and three-time All-Conference honoree, Gonsalves ended his senior year ranked 11th in the nation in goals per game (0.78) and 12th nationally in points per game (1.78). He claimed a spot on College Soccer News' 2006 Preseason All-American Team, as well as being named to CSN's National Team of the Week, Soccer America's National Team of the Week and SoccerTimes.com's National Honor Roll throughout the season. Gonsalves also landed a spot on the 2006 NSCAA All-Mid Atlantic Region First Team and was selected to the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Season First Team.

 

In his four years at Rhode Island, the Markham, Ontario-native has been named to six different All-Tournament teams, received three A-10 Player of the Week awards (two this season), two ECAC Player of the Week awards (both this season), three NSCAA/adidas All-Region honors and eight different National Honors (six this season).

 

Additionally, the Rams have captured three Atlantic 10 titles, made three NCAA Tournament appearances and posted four-consecutive seasons with 10-or-more wins (50 total) with Gonsalves on the roster.

 

With 107 career points (42g, 23a), he ranks fifth all-time in the Rhode Island record books and is first on the career-games list, having appeared in 88 matches.­­

 

"This is such a great opportunity for Jeff," added interim athletic director Gregg Burke. "He has been an outstanding leader here over the past four years and I'm every bit confident that he will continue to excel at the next level. We couldn't be more proud of or excited for him and wish him all the best."

 

A 2003 graduate of Brother Andre Catholic, where he was a four-time team MVP, Gonsalves helped lead Woodbridge Strikers Soccer Club to a gold medal in the 2003 Ontario Cup before coming to the University of Rhode Island. He is the son of John and Jeanette Gonsalves, who reside in Markham, Ontario.

 

This season, the Rhode Island men's soccer team advanced to is third NCAA Tournament in the last four years after winning its second-consecutive Atlantic 10 title. Rhody tied Rutgers, 1-1, in the first round and advanced to the second round with a 4-2 edge in penalty kicks. The Rams then tied 16th-seeded Lehigh, 1-1, before falling in six rounds of PKs, 5-4. Overall, URI ended the season with a 12-5-6 mark.

 

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