Kocevski, Oyegunle Selected in 2024 MLS SuperDraft

NEW YORK, N.Y. – Senior Jeorgio Kocevski and junior Olu Oyegunle were selected in the 2024 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft, held on Tuesday, Dec. 19. Kocevski was drafted by Orlando City SC in the first round with the No. 21 overall pick, while Oyegunle was taken with the fourth pick of the second round by Chicago Fire FC.

Kocevski, a native of Liverpool, N.Y., scored one goal and recorded 12 assists in 20 matches for Syracuse this season, earning All-ACC First Team honors and the program's first ACC Midfielder of the Year award. Kocevski's 12 assists ranks as the most by a senior in program history and third most in a single season. A team captain in 2023, the midfielder appeared in 71 collegiate contests over his four years with the Orange, making 65 starts to go along with seven goals and 32 points. Kocevski is the 13th first round pick in program history.

Oyegunle begins his professional career after being selected by Chicago with the 33rd overall selection. A four-year member of the program, Oyegunle appeared in 62 matches, making 49 starts. The defender played a crucial role on the backline in the team's 2022 NCAA National Championship season. Oyegunle is the tenth Canadian in program history to be drafted in the MLS.

Kocevski is the third Syracuse player selected by Orlando City SC, joining Kamal Miller (2nd round, 27th overall in 2019) and former teammate Abdi Salim (1st round, 17th overall in 2023).

Chicago Fire has also drafted three Orange; Ezra Prendergast (3rd round, 34th overall in 2006), Mo Adams ( 1st round, 10th overall in 2018) and Oyegunle.

Syracuse has had 30 players drafted by MLS teams, with 23 of the selections occurring under head coach Ian McIntyre. The 2024 MLS SuperDraft was the ninth draft where the Orange had multiple selections. Syracuse has also had a player drafted in nine of the last 10 MLS SuperDrafts, including a program-record five in the 2023 draft. Seven members of the 2022 treble season have been selected over the last two MLS Drafts.

Syracuse MLS SuperDraft History

1996 SuperDraft
Eric Puls – Colorado Rapids – 12th round (112th overall)
Paul Young – Columbus Crew – 13th round (121st overall)

1997 Supplemental Draft
Mike Britton – Colorado Rapids – 3rd round (23rd overall)

2004 SuperDraft
Chris Aloisi – Los Angeles Galaxy – 6th round (57th overall)

2006 Supplemental Draft
Ezra Prendergast – Chicago Fire – 3rd round (34th overall)

2007 SuperDraft
Richard Asante – Toronto FC – 3rd round (27th overall)

2009 SuperDraft
Kyle Hall – Toronto FC – 3rd round (39th overall)

2015 SuperDraft
Alex Bono – Toronto FC – 1st round (6th overall)
Skylar Thomas – Toronto FC – 1st round (11th overall)
Jordan Murrell – Real Salt Lake – 3rd round (57th overall)

2016 SuperDraft
Julian Buescher – DC United – 1st round (11th overall)
Ben Polk – Portland Timbers – 1st round (20th overall)

2017 SuperDraft
Miles Robinson – Atlanta United - 1st round (2nd overall)
Liam Callahan – Colorado Rapids – 2nd round (24th overall)
Chris Nanco - Philadelphia Union - 3rd round (55th overall)
Oyvind Alseth - Toronto FC - 3rd round (65th overall)

2018 SuperDraft
Mo Adams – Chicago Fire – 1st round (10th overall)

2019 SuperDraft
Tajon Buchanan – New England Revolution – 1st round (9th overall)
Kamal Miller – Orlando City SC – 2nd round (27th overall)

2020 SuperDraft
Ryan Raposo – Vancouver Whitecaps FC – 1st round (4th overall)
Nyal Higgins – Toronto FC – 1st round (19th overall)

2021 SuperDraft
Luther Archimede – New York Red Bulls – 1st round (13th overall)
Sondre Norheim – Nashville SC 3rd round (73rd overall)

2023 SuperDraft
Abdi Salim - Orlando City SC - 1st round (17th overall)
Levonte Johnson - Vancouver Whitecaps FC - 1st round (29th overall)
Amferny Sinclair - Real Salt Lake - 2nd round (45th overall)
Russell Shealy - LA Galaxy - 2nd round (52nd overall)
Buster Sjoberg - Vancouver Whitecaps FC - 3rd round (71st overall)

2024 SuperDraft
Jeorgio Kocevski – Orlando City SC - 1st round (21st overall)
Olu Oyegunle – Chicago Fire – 2nd round (33rd overall)

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Syracuse University Athletics

Kocevski, Oyegunle Selected in 2024 MLS SuperDraft

Players Mentioned

Levonte Johnson

Jeorgio Kocevski

Olu Oyegunle

Abdi Salim

Russell Shealy

Amferny Sinclair

Buster Sjoberg

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