Earl Edwards Jr and Aaron Simmons Selected in the 2015 MLS Super Draft

UCLA senior goalkeeper Earl Edwards Jr. and senior defender Aaron Simmons were each selected in the third round of the 2015 Major League Soccer Super Draft today. Edwards Jr. was the first pick of the third round (43rd overall selection) by Orlando City Soccer Club, while Simmons was the ninth pick of the third round (51st overall selection) by the Philadelphia Union.

Edwards Jr., Simmons and Leo Stolz, who was selected in the first round by the New York Red Bulls last week, gives the Bruins three players who were selected in the 2015 MLS Super Draft. The three picks bring UCLA’s all-time total of players selected in the MLS Super Draft to 67, the most of any college all-time. In addition, 33 players have been chosen since head coach Jorge Salcedo took over the program in 2004. UCLA has had at least three players selected in the past six MLS Super Drafts, including 13 first round picks over that span.

Edwards Jr., a three-year team captain, earned first team All-Pac-12 honors in 2014 after starting all 24 matches for UCLA. In 2, 331 minutes, Edwards Jr. racked up 70 saves and posted a career-best 0.89 goals against average. The 70 saves brought his career-total to 208, which is good for fifth-most saves in school history. The San Diego, Calif. native recorded a career-best eight shutouts on the year, a Pac-12 high. Edwards Jr. finished his UCLA career with 37 wins, 19 shutouts and a cumulative 1.07 goals against average.

Simmons, an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection, appeared in all 24 matches (16 starts) for UCLA in 2014. The Mansfield, Texas native recorded two goals on the season while splitting time between defensive midfielder and center back. Simmons contributed to all eight of the Bruins’ shutouts and totaled 1, 327 minutes on the season. In his two-year UCLA career, Simmons recorded five goals in 43 career appearances (33 starts).