PAIR OF HORNETS SELECTED IN MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

1/18/2011

Fernando Cabadas (left) and Ernesto Carranza are the Hornets' first MLS draft picks since 1996.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Ernesto Carranza and Fernando Cabadas were both selected in the second round of the Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft on Tuesday afternoon. The former Sacramento State men's soccer standouts recently finished their senior seasons ranked No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in career assists and both matches started and played.

"I am so happy for our guys, they really derserve a chance at the next level," said head coach Michael Linenberger. "I am also excited for our program as this is a sign for bigger and better things to come."

Carranza, a native of Oakdale, Calif., was selected No. 22 overall with the fourth pick of the second round by Chivas USA.

Cabadas, from Sacramento and Hiram Johnson High School, was picked two slots later at No. 24 overall by the New England Revolution.

The MLS Super Draft, with 18 picks in each of the three rounds, was held on Thursday, Jan. 13. The Supplemental Draft also featured three rounds with 18 picks each.

Carranza, who was invited to the MLS combine on Jan. 7, finished his Sacramento State career with 18 goals and 20 assists for 56 career points. He appeared in 82 matches in four seasons, making 81 starts. He was named first-team all-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation following his senior season and was MPSF Player of the Year after his junior year.

Cabadas, a former walk-on that earned his place on the team after attending an open tryout before his freshman year, completed his four seasons in green and gold with nine goals and 19 assists for 37 career points. He made 73 starts while appearing in 78 games. He was named first-team all-MPSF for the second straight season following the 2010 campaign.

The Hornets' only other MLS draft pick was Brandon Cavitt in 1996, the first college draft held by the league. Cavitt, a midfielder from 1993-95, was selected in the third round.