Temple University Athletics
Simon Lefebvre Selected First Round by D.C. United in 2020 MLS SuperDraft
1.9.20 | Men's Soccer
PHILADELPHIA – After a stellar two-year campaign between the posts for the Temple men's soccer team, goalkeeper Simon Lefebvre was selected by D.C. United in the first round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon. Chosen 21st overall, the Ossun, France native made history as Temple's highest-ever pick in the draft and is the program's first-ever first round pick. He's just the second Temple men's soccer player to ever get drafted, joining 2017 third-round selection Jorge Gomez Sanchez in the history books for the Owls.
Lefebvre is already the second player under head coach Brian Rowland to take his career to the next level this year, joining fellow senior Lukas Fernandes who signed a professional contract with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in December.
"I'm extremely happy and excited for Simon," said Rowland. "He's worked exceptionally hard in his time here at Temple to not only help our program, but to develop as both a student and an athlete. He's more than ready for the opportunity to progress in his professional career, and we're excited to follow him as our program's highest-ever draft pick."
Lefebvre was pivotal to Temple's success last season season, playing all 1704 minutes between the posts to spearhead one of the top defensive units in the American Athletic Conference. He allowed just 22 goals in 18 games for a goals against average of 1.16 during his final season. He thwarted 57 shots against some of the nation's top offensive threats for a save percentage of 0.722, helping the Owls to an 8-8-2 overall record.
He earned All-AAC second team honors for his efforts this past season and wrapped up his illustrious career in Cherry and White with a career goals against average of 1.21, the fifth best in program history. In December, he was one of just 40 NCAA players invited to participate in the inaugural 2019 adidas MLS College Showcase, which gave technical staffs from each MLS club a chance to scout the top collegiate prospects in the nation.
Lefebvre was one of four players from the American Athletic Conference to be selected in the draft's first-round, as he was joined by SMU's Garrett McLaughlin (No. 8), UCF's Cal Jennings (No. 17) and UConn's Dayonn Harris (No. 20).
Lefebvre graduated from Temple in December 2019 with a degree in Adult and Organizational Development.
Lefebvre is already the second player under head coach Brian Rowland to take his career to the next level this year, joining fellow senior Lukas Fernandes who signed a professional contract with Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC in December.
"I'm extremely happy and excited for Simon," said Rowland. "He's worked exceptionally hard in his time here at Temple to not only help our program, but to develop as both a student and an athlete. He's more than ready for the opportunity to progress in his professional career, and we're excited to follow him as our program's highest-ever draft pick."
Lefebvre was pivotal to Temple's success last season season, playing all 1704 minutes between the posts to spearhead one of the top defensive units in the American Athletic Conference. He allowed just 22 goals in 18 games for a goals against average of 1.16 during his final season. He thwarted 57 shots against some of the nation's top offensive threats for a save percentage of 0.722, helping the Owls to an 8-8-2 overall record.
He earned All-AAC second team honors for his efforts this past season and wrapped up his illustrious career in Cherry and White with a career goals against average of 1.21, the fifth best in program history. In December, he was one of just 40 NCAA players invited to participate in the inaugural 2019 adidas MLS College Showcase, which gave technical staffs from each MLS club a chance to scout the top collegiate prospects in the nation.
Lefebvre was one of four players from the American Athletic Conference to be selected in the draft's first-round, as he was joined by SMU's Garrett McLaughlin (No. 8), UCF's Cal Jennings (No. 17) and UConn's Dayonn Harris (No. 20).
Lefebvre graduated from Temple in December 2019 with a degree in Adult and Organizational Development.
Players Mentioned
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