Senior midfielder Ignacio Magnato became the first draftee in program history on Thursday night, after being chosen with the final pick of the first round – 21st overall – by the Galaxy, arguably the league’s most decorated club, with five championships.
The Spanish product, 23, who spent five years with Getafe FC overseas before coming to Iona, has been a four-year standout for the Gaels. He ended his career with a flourish, scoring a career-high 11 goals and five assists in his senior season.
Magnato was named the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Offensive Player of the Year, earning first team NSCAA All-Northeast Region and ECAC All-Star First honors.
Following his senior season, Magnato raised his draft stock and caught the eye of scouts with a zenith performance at the MLS Combine, tallying an assist off a corner kick while playing for Team Predator. He was dubbed one of the top five central midfield draft prospects by MLSSoccer.com after his first-day performance.
Magnato thrives both on the field and in the classroom. The international business major has been named to the MAAC Academic Honor Roll and All-American Team three times. He is the ninth player in league history to be drafted to the professional level.
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