Crockford drafted by D.C. United
December 20, 2023 | Men's Soccer
Goalkeeper first Badger picked in MLS draft since 2021
MADISON, Wis. – Junior goalkeeper Nate Crockford became the 14th Badger chosen all time in the MLS draft on Tuesday during the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. Crockford went in the third round at No. 65 by D.C. United.
"We are thrilled for Nate," head coach Neil Jones said. "What an incredible opportunity that awaits him at DC United at the highest level of professional soccer in this country. I'm sure Nate would be the first person to acknowledge the work of his Wisconsin teammates that have helped provide this platform for him to showcase his ability to MLS scouts and coaches."
The Northfield, Illinois, native, completed his first season with the Badgers this fall, posting seven shutouts in 17 games played to lead the Big Ten with .412 shutouts per game. He ranked fourth in the Big Ten at 1.06 goals-against per game and played every minute in goal for UW during 2023. He spent his first two collegiate seasons at UCLA.
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Crockford earned recognition during the season on the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week after beginning the season with consecutive shutouts. He also was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after blanking Ohio State in Columbus on Oct. 20.
He is the first Badger since Mitch Guitar was picked by the Chicago Fire in 2021 to get picked.
"Another great day to be a Wisconsin Badger. Congratulations Nate!"
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WISCONSIN'S ALL-TIME MLS DRAFT PICKS
^ - Generation Adidas program
* - MLS Supplemental Draft
# - MLS College Draft
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"We are thrilled for Nate," head coach Neil Jones said. "What an incredible opportunity that awaits him at DC United at the highest level of professional soccer in this country. I'm sure Nate would be the first person to acknowledge the work of his Wisconsin teammates that have helped provide this platform for him to showcase his ability to MLS scouts and coaches."
The Northfield, Illinois, native, completed his first season with the Badgers this fall, posting seven shutouts in 17 games played to lead the Big Ten with .412 shutouts per game. He ranked fourth in the Big Ten at 1.06 goals-against per game and played every minute in goal for UW during 2023. He spent his first two collegiate seasons at UCLA.
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With the 65th pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, D.C. United select Nathan Crockford from the University of Wisconsin. pic.twitter.com/d83YFqBbsE
— D.C. United (@dcunited) December 20, 2023
Crockford earned recognition during the season on the TopDrawerSoccer National Team of the Week after beginning the season with consecutive shutouts. He also was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week after blanking Ohio State in Columbus on Oct. 20.
He is the first Badger since Mitch Guitar was picked by the Chicago Fire in 2021 to get picked.
"Another great day to be a Wisconsin Badger. Congratulations Nate!"
Â
WISCONSIN'S ALL-TIME MLS DRAFT PICKS
| NAME | YEAR | ROUND | PICK | TEAM |
| Nate Crockford | 2024 | Third | 65th | D.C. United |
| Mitch Guitar | 2021 | Third | 60th | Chicago Fire |
| Chris Mueller | 2018 | First | Sixth | Orlando City SC |
| Mark Segbers | 2018 | First | Ninth | New England Revolution |
| Tom Barlow | 2018 | Second | 39th | New York Red Bulls |
| Mike Catalano | 2018 | Third | 54th | Philadelphia Union |
| Drew Connor | 2015 | Chicago Fire (Homegrown Player) | ||
| AJ Cochran^ | 2014 | First | 16th | Houston Dynamo |
| Aaron Hohlbein* | 2007 | First | Third | Kansas City Wizards |
| Nick Van Sicklen | 2005 | Second | 19th | D.C. United |
| Dominic DaPra | 2002 | Fourth | 43rd | Kansas City Wizards |
| Narciso Fernandes | 2001 | Fifth | 59th | Kansas City Wizards |
| Mike Gentile | 2000 | Sixth | 66th | Tampa Bay Mutiny |
| Travis Roy* | 1998 | Second | 14th | MetroStars |
| Mike Gentile# | 1996 | First | Ninth | Colorado Rapids |
| Scott Lamphear# | 1996 | Second | 11th | New York/New Jersey MetroStars |
* - MLS Supplemental Draft
# - MLS College Draft
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Players Mentioned
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