Jan. 16, 2004
University of Dayton defender Denny Clantonwas selected in the fourth round of the 2004 Major League Soccer Super Draft Friday by the Chicago Fire.
"Right now I'm so excited," Clanton said. "It's good just to be drafted by the MLS and I would be happy to play anywhere, but to be drafted by Chicago -- an organization I know a lot about and is in my hometown -- it's a dream come true."
Clanton, a native of Aurora, IL, played on Chicago's Premier Development League team (the Chicago Fire Reserves) in each of the past two seasons, being named All-PDL both times and earning the league's Defender of the Year Award in 2002.
"Playing with the Reserves for three seasons and we practiced with the Fire, so I'm familiar with their players," he said. "Our (the Reserves) goalkeeper [Matt Pickens] was also drafted by the Fire, so there might be two of us switching sides."
Clanton was a four-year starter for the Flyers, totaling two goals and six assists and was named to the NSCAA Men's Soccer All-America Third Team after this season. The First Team All-Atlantic 10 selection was the second place finisher in A-10 Defender of the Year voting and was named All-Ohio Player of the Year earlier this month. In addition, he was named First Team All-Ohio and First Team All-Great Lakes Region.
"We are ecstatic for Denny after being selected by Chicago. Denny is one of the players who have helped raise this program to new heights. We are truly going to miss him here at UD, but I am confident he will be successful in the MLS," said Dayton head coach Dave Schureck. "This is another vote of confidence for this team and our program."
Clanton becomes the second Dayton Flyer to be picked in the MLS Super Draft, joining Mark Schulte, who was selected by Tampa Bay in 2000.
The draft include six rounds and 60 overall selections and was dubbed the Super Draft because it combines collegiate, Nike Project-40 and unsigned professional players into a single selection pool.
In his four seasons at Dayton, the Flyers outscored opponents by 44 goals with Clanton on the field. The Flyers finished 12-5-2 in 2003, beat three ranked teams and were ranked themselves for the majority of the season, including the program's highest-ever rank at No. 8 in the NSCAA/adidas Top 25 Oct 13-20.
The Clanton File
Selected in the fourth round (48th Overall) of the 2003 MLS Super Draft by the Chicago Fire
At Dayton: Senior (2003) Team captain and First Team All-Atlantic 10...Second place finished in A-10 Defender of the Year voting...All-Ohio Player of the Year, First Team All-Ohio, First Team All-Great Lakes Region...U of Louisville Tournament Defensive MVP...Dayton Marriott Flyer Classic All-Classic Team...Pre-Season All-Atlantic 10 Selection...Scored game-sealing goal versus George Washington, 2 G, 3 A...Dayton was +44 in goal differential with Clanton on the field in his four years.
Junior (2002) 2002 PDL Defensive Player of the Year, First Team All-PDL with Chicago Fire Reserves...The Flyers' team captain, Clanton started all 19 games he played...Had more points than shots, chipping in three assists from his defender spot...Was on the field for eight more goals scored than allowed....A 2002 All-Conference Preseason selection, Clanton was named 2002 All-Ohio First Team...Named to the All-Tournament Team at Dayton Marriott Flyer Classic.
Sophomore (2001) Pre-season All-Atlantic 10 Selection...Started all 20 games for the Flyers in the backfield...Scored one goal, a game-tying goal with 13 seconds remaining in regulation to force overtime in the Flyers 3-3 tie at Wright State...Named to the All-Atlantic 10 Second Team, and the All-Ohio Second Team.
Freshman (2000) In his freshman season, Clanton earned All-Atlantic 10 Second Team honors and was named to the A-10 All-Rookie Team...Started every game and added three assists.
PDL/Club Named PDL Defender of the Year and First Team All-League while playing for the Chicago Fire Reserves Professional Development League team in the summer of 2002...Named PDL First Team All-League in 2003... Clanton's club team, the Chicago Magic Sockers, won three state cups during his tenure.
High School A three-year starter and team MVP for Waubonsie Valley, was selected All-Midwest, First-Team All-State, and Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun Times First Team All-Area...Received awards as Daily Herald and Beacon News All-Area Player of the Year in 1999...Two-year captain of varsity basketball team.
Personal Son of Dennis and Valerie Clanton... Born on April 4, 1982...Finance Major
