Bode Drafted By Major League Soccer's Chicago Fire
Jan. 25, 2008
MILWAUKEE - Steve Bode of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team was selected by the Chicago Fire in the 2008 Major League Soccer Supplemental Draft Thursday. The Fire selected the senior defender in the fourth round of the draft with the 47th overall pick. "I could not be happier about getting picked up by the Chicago Fire," Bode said. "It is an organization that I am familiar with and have a lot of respect for. Playing professional soccer has been a dream of mine for a long time, and I feel blessed to be given the opportunity to do so." Bode was a three-time All-Horizon League selection for Milwaukee, including first team honors following both the 2005 and 2007 campaigns. The three-year team captain also earned numerous academic honors, including Third Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-America and All-Region NSCAA Scholar-Athlete accolades. "I am very excited for Steve," UWM head coach Jon Coleman said. "This is a great accomplishment and opportunity and his dedication and hard work has paid off. Chicago has a very talented and passionate player that will show up everyday and work hard to make the Fire the best team in the MLS. Steve wanted this and didn't let anything stand in his way!" Bode becomes the fourth UWM men's soccer player to be drafted by an MLS team and the first since Antou Jallow was selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the fourth round of the 2005 SuperDraft. Tighe Dombrowski (fifth round of 2004 draft) and Chad Dombrowski (fifth round in 2003) round out the distinguished list.
"I want to thank Coach Coleman, Coach Spielmann and Coach Dadaian for all of the hard work that they have put in for me to be to get this opportunity," Bode said. |
