UNC Greensboro forward Randi Patterson was the first selection made by the New York Red Bulls in the 2007 MLS supplemental draft, held via conference call on Thursday afternoon.
Patterson, a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year selection, was the sixth overall selection in the draft, held six days after the MLS Super Draft. A total of 52 players were selected in four rounds of action last Friday in Indianapolis. An additional 52 players were selected in the four rounds of selections held Thursday. In essence, Patterson became the 58th overall draft selection on Thursday.
Patterson's changed of making the squad may be improved by the fact that the Red Bulls only had two picks in the SuperDraft, which would make Patterson the team's third pick.
“I’m excited to be drafted,” said Patterson. “I need to start working harder so that I am ready and focused, but I am excited for the chance. The team plays just 15 minutes from my home, so it will be great to have my family around for support.
“At first I was upset that I didn’t make the Super Draft, but I am happy now to be given the chance to play. I need to just go out there and prove myself and show the organization what I’ve got to offer.”
A native of Hackensack, NJ, Patterson is a two-time All-American and earned 2004 and 2005 Southern Conference Player of the Year honors while at UNCG. He finished fifth on the UNCG all-time scoring list with 141 points and fifth on the school’s career goal scoring list with 61. Also a candidate for the Hermann Trophy each of the last two seasons, Patterson was a three-time first-team All-SoCon honoree, having earned second-team honors as a freshman. He was the team’s top goalscorer all four seasons. This past year, he had 27 points on 13 goals and one assist.
Patterson becomes the fourth former Spartan who will be in MLS training camp next month. Patterson’s teammate Scott Jones was draft in the third round by FC Dallas last week. Forward Alejandro Moreno is expected to return to Houston to help the Dynamo defend their MLS title. Defender Rusty Pierce is expected to return to the Columbus Crew.