2024 Men's Roster

Many of the players are listed on the Web site as juniors, but I think that is because of the extra year every one got due to covid. Can anyone with inside knowledge share who is likely not coming back?

SoreKnees wrote:Many of the players are listed on the Web site as juniors, but I think that is because of the extra year every one got due to covid. Can anyone with inside knowledge share who is likely not coming back?

I do not have inside knowledge, but I can tell you 10 student-athletes were recognized as "seniors" in a pregame ceremony before defeating USF on Veterans Day:

Marios Andreou
Jacob Babalai - Junior
Kevin Bonilla - Junior
Julian Conze
Boyd Curry
Nick Denley
Buba Fofanah - Junior
Jacob McDaniel - Junior
Jose Olmos
Jesus Salazar

As many likely know, the MLS can now draft college sophomores and juniors...not just seniors like in the past...and the draft take place on December 19.

https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/mls-expands-eligible-player-pool-for-mls-superdraft-presented-by-adidas

With that in mind, there is a very good chance Jacob Babalai, Kevin Bonilla, and Buba Fofanah will be drafted and sign MLS contracts.

Looking at the UP roster, there's a good chance sophomore Nick Fernandez could also be drafted along with Samory Powder, who is listed as a senior.

Efe Aror will likely play just one more year before being drafted after his sophomore year...that's just conjecture, but he sure looks like a pro in the making.

Article on Kevin Bonilla:
https://www.oregonlive.com/pilots/2023/11/portland-pilots-star-might-be-the-best-kept-secret-in-college-soccer-but-his-biggest-dream-isnt-about-sports.html

December 6-9 in Phoenix, the 2023 Adidas MLS College Showcase, a closed-door scouting event officially sanctioned by the NCAA, will feature the top college players ranging from freshmen to graduate students participating in training sessions, testing, interviews and match play.

Of the 44 invited, two are from UP:

Jacob Babalai and Kevin Bonilla

"The accolades keep rolling in for Portland Pilots Men's Soccer, with Kevin Bonilla making the United Soccer Coaches All-American First Team and Nick Fernandez making the third team. They are the first United Soccer Coaches All-Americans for Portland since 2018 and it's the first time they've had multiple from United Soccer Coaches since 2001."

https://portlandpilots.com/news/2023/12/8/mens-soccer-bonilla-fernandez-garner-all-american-honors.aspx

Portland Pilots Men's Soccer has six players available in the eligible player pool for tomorrow's (Wednesday 12/20) 2024 MLS SuperDraft:

Kevin Bonilla; Jacob Babalai; Nick Denley; Nick Fernandez; Buba Fofanah; and Samory Powder.

The draft begins at noon Pacific time, but because it's the MLS, it's probably only viewable on Apple TV...

The last time the Pilots had a player drafted was four years ago when Rey Ortiz was taken with the 29th pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati.

DoubleDipper wrote:Portland Pilots Men's Soccer has six players available in the eligible player pool for tomorrow's (Wednesday 12/20) 2024 MLS SuperDraft:

Kevin Bonilla; Jacob Babalai; Nick Denley; Nick Fernandez; Buba Fofanah; and Samory Powder.

The draft begins at noon Pacific time, but because it's the MLS, it's probably only viewable on Apple TV...

The last time the Pilots had a player drafted was four years ago when Rey Ortiz was taken with the 29th pick of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati.

This was a pretty good draft for UP players, though others will have to pursue their soccer careers by other means.

Here is the list of selections and their order of pick and team this year.
Kevin Bonilla (18) picked  by RSL
Jacob Babalai (41) picked by Charlotte
Buba Fofanah (81) picked by the Sounders

I believe this is the most players UP has had selected in the Superdraft.

Geezaldinho wrote:This was a pretty good draft for UP players, though others will have to pursue their soccer careers by other means.

Here is the list of selections and their order of pick and team this year.
Kevin Bonilla (18) picked  by RSL
Jacob Babalai (41) picked by Charlotte
Buba Fofanah (81) picked by the Sounders

Real Salt Lake signed former Portland Pilots defender Kevin Bonilla to a contract for the 2024 MLS season. The contract also includes club options for the 2025, 2026 and 2027 season.

"I'm excited for this next chapter in my life," Bonilla said. "Having the opportunity to play at a club like RSL is perfect for me and I can't wait to get started. To Portland — I will be forever grateful. Coach Nick and the community took a kid in and supported him when he was at his lowest moment and have given not just me, but also my family the opportunity to live a dream only a few can live. Once a Pilot, always a Pilot."

https://portlandpilots.com/news/2024/1/11/mens-soccer-kevin-bonilla-signs-contract-with-real-salt-lake

Geezaldinho wrote:Here is the list of selections and their order of pick and team this year.
Kevin Bonilla (18) picked  by RSL
Jacob Babalai (41) picked by Charlotte
Buba Fofanah (81) picked by the Sounders

I believe this is the most players UP has had selected in the Superdraft.

Fan favorite, Buba, passes on a chance to play for the Sounders...

Buba Fofanah wrote:"As I look to the future in 2024, I am motivated to fulfill my late mother's dream for me to finish my education before pursuing a professional soccer career."

https://portlandpilots.com/news/2024/1/17/mens-soccer-buba-fofanah-to-return-to-portland-for-final-year-of-eligibility.aspx

It’ll be nice to see him on the pitch at Merlo another year.