February 1, 2006

BLACKSBURG, Va. - Former Virginia Tech men's soccer standout Chase Harrison was taken in the third round with the 26^th pick in the MLS supplemental draft by Real Salt Lake. Harrison is one of four chosen by the team in the supplemental draft, including one of two Atlantic Coast Conference players.

"I am extremely excited that I was drafted," Harrison said. "It is an opportunity I've waited for and a dream come true."

During his four-year career at Tech, he started all but four games, those coming during his freshman campaign. Harrison, who set nearly every school record imaginable for the Hokies, led the team to two NCAA Tournament berths, including helping the 2005 team receive the program's first-ever first-round bye.

He set the school career record for shutouts (24), minutes played (7,181) and goals against average (1.12). He also holds the single-season records for shutouts (8 in 2004 and 2005), minutes played (2,062 in 2003) and fewest saves (68 in 2005).

During his senior season, Harrison led the team to seven consecutive wins and a streak of 10 unbeaten matches, both establishing new school records. Harrison also played all but seven minutes during the school-record streak of consecutive minutes not scored upon (495:03), helping Tech garner the program's highest-ever ranking at No. 10.

"Chase is a person who over time convinces people he is a very good goalkeeper," head coach Oliver Weiss said. "He will get a chance to convince people he is capable of playing at a high level. It is great to have a player get an opportunity like this."

Harrison becomes Tech's first soccer player to ever be drafted by MLS.