Ntsabeleng, Djeffal Selected in 2022 MLS SuperDraft

NEW YORK, NY – Oregon State men's soccer forward Tsiki Ntsabeleng and midfielder Sofiane Djeffal were selected in the MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday. Ntsabeleng was the 28th overall pick in the first round by FC Dallas, while Djeffal was chosen by D.C. United as the 36th overall pick in the second round.
 
"To watch young men who you love deeply achieve a childhood dream is incredibly special. Sofiane and Tsiki are exceptional young men," said Oregon State head coach Terry Boss. "Their quality is clear, but it's been truly inspirational to watch these young men work and will themselves to earn this opportunity. They have meant so much to our program and have certainly left their jerseys in a much better place. They have a bright future and we are thankful to have been a part of their journey."
 
The pair join 12 former Beavers to have been drafted since the first SuperDraft in 2000, including former teammates Joe Hafferty (2021 draft), Hassani Dotson and Don Tchilao (2019 draft). 
 
Ntsabeleng has started 25 of the 31 games he has appeared in in the Orange and Black since joining the team in 2020. He was named All-Pac-12 First Team and also earned All-Far West Region honors from the United Soccer Coaches. The Johannesburg, South Africa native scored five goals this fall including two against Air Force on Aug. 30 and goals in back to back games from Nov. 7 and Nov. 11. He also recorded eight assists, tallying 18 points. Within the conference, Ntsabeleng finished the season second in the shots category (49), tied for third in the assists category (8), and tied for fourth in the points category (18). Ntsabeling is the second Beaver to be drafted by FC Dallas, following Will Seymore, who was the 56th overall pick in 2015.
 
Djeffal has led a decorated career at Oregon State, starting 65 of 66 games he appeared in from 2018 to 2021. This season, Djeffal was named Pac-12 Player of Year, earning his fourth First-Team All-Pac-12 Honor. He also nabbed All-Far West Region and All-American honors from the United Soccer Coaches and was named a MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist. On the pitch this fall, Djeffal scored six goals, including the game-winners against Denver (Aug. 27), UCLA (Sept. 30), and California (Oct. 7). The Nantes, France native also notched six assists, tallying 18 points. In the conference standings, Djeffal capped the season tied for fourth in the goals, points, and game-winner categories.
 
This fall Oregon State recorded a historic campaign, going 14-2-4 (7-1-2 Pac-12) and clinching the program's first Pac-12 title. The Beavers posted eight shutouts during the regular season, including three in a row from Oct. 28 to Nov. 4. OSU edged past No. 23 UCLA on Sept. 30, scoring three goals in a span of three minutes, and toppled No. 1 Washington, 3-2, on Oct. 22 on their journey to the program's sixth NCAA tournament (third under Boss' direction). Earning the No. 1 overall seed, Oregon State notched two more shutouts in the second and third rounds to advance to its first Elite Eight appearance.
 
Former Beaver MLS SuperDraft Selections
Joe Hafferty, Inter Miami, 37th overall pick, 2021
Hassani Dotson, Minnesota United, 31st overall pick, 2019
Don Tchilao, LA Galaxy, 36th overall pick, 2019
Jordan Jones, Los Angeles FC, 47th overall pick, 2018
Timmy Mueller, Portland Timbers, 63rd overall pick, 2018
Khiry Shelton, New York City FC, 2nd overall pick, 2015
Will Seymore, FC Dallas, 56th overall pick, 2015
Emery Welshman, Toronto FC, 16th overall pick, 2013
Danny Mwanga, Philadelphia Union, 1st overall pick, 2010
Robbie Findley, LA Galaxy, 16th overall pick, 2007
Ryan Johnson, Real Salt Lake, 26th overall pick, 2006
Alan Gordon, LA Galaxy, 53rd overall pick, 2004