Barnett Selected in MLS Draft by Chicago

1/18/08

Baltimore, Md. – Former Lynn University star soccer player Dwight Barnett was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2008 Major League Soccer Superdraft. Barnett, the 10th pick of the third round and 38th overall, was the first NCAA Division II player chosen and becomes the first Lynn men’s soccer player in program history to be drafted in the MLS.



“This is a great honor for Dwight Barnett as well as Lynn University,” said head coach Shaun Pendleton. “Dwight had a great career and is a tremendous athlete, similar to all of the student-athletes we bring to Lynn. I hope his success opens the door for other players to go on not only to Major League Soccer but other professional leagues around the world.”



The Jamaica, N.Y., product enjoyed success throughout his two years with the Fighting Knights. In 36 games Barnett scored 26 goals and tallied 16 assists for 68 points. This past season he was selected as the Sunshine State Conference Offensive Player of the Year when he recorded 14 goals, 10 assists and 38 points. He was also named a National Soccer Coaches Association of America Third Team All-American and a CoSIDA/ESPN the Magazine Third Team Academic All-American.



Barnett will become the second player from Lynn University to play in the MLS and the Chicago Fire, joining former Knights standout Jared Montz. Montz signed a developmental contract with the Chicago in 2005, participating in one match in the 2006 season.



Lynn closed out 2007 with a 15-3-1 record, claiming its sixth SSC crown, earning its third consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament and ninth overall.