BERKELEY – Simon Lekressner became the latest in a long line of Golden Bears to join Major League Soccer when the New England Revolution selected him on Thursday in the MLS SuperDraft. The Revolution chose the Cal defender with the fourth pick of the second round.

"Getting a chance to play at the professional level is truly a dream come true," Lekressner said. "I wouldn't have this opportunity if not for my family, friends, coaches and teammates who've supported me throughout my career."
 
"This is a fantastic day for Simon and Cal soccer as well," Cal head coach Kevin Grimes said. "The opportunity to play for [head coach and sporting director] Bruce Arena in New England is an honor without question. Simon will flourish in their environment and can add great attack from his right back position. We couldn't be more pleased that he is going to start his career with Bruce and his outstanding staff."
 
Lekressner had his best college season in 2019. A native of Bellevue, Washington, Lekressner started a career-high 18 games and flourished as an attacking outside back, posting career highs with five goals, 12 points and two gamewinning goals. A key contributor to Cal's run to the NCAA tournament, Lekressner earned berths on the All-Pac-12 first team and on the United Soccer Coaches All-Far West Region second team. In the classroom, he also impressed and claimed the Pac-12 Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. Lekressner graduated from Cal in December with a degree in economics.
 
Fifteen erstwhile Bears played professionally this past season, including Sam Junqua, Lekressner's former Cal teammate who was drafted by Major League Soccer's Houston Dynamo last year. Lekressner joins now former Cal teammate Drake Callender in MLS, as the goalkeeper – another 2019 standout for the Bears – signed as a Homegrown Player with expansion team Inter Miami CF.