| School: Jefferson | Graduation Year: 2008 |
Year Inducted: 2019
Sports Played: Soccer
High School Honors: 2 Soccer letters. 1st Team All-PIL as Junior and Senior; 1st Team All-State as Senior, 2nd Team as Junior. PIL and State Player of the Year as Senior; scored 53 goals in 9 games as Senior.
Post High School Career: Oregon State University; 2 letters in Soccer, Pac-10 Conference Freshman of the Year
2008 and Pac-10 Conference Player of the Year 2009. 2nd Team All-America in 2009.
#1 pick in 2010 MLS, drafted by Philadelphia; 2012-2013 with the Portland Timbers. Prior
to a sidelining injury in 2018, played with Colorado, Orlando, New York, Tampa Bay, Ottawa and Thailand. Presently a free agent, expecting to resume professional career.
Commentary:
I want to thank my family, who is proud and always encouraging in sports. My mother made countless sacrifices to help me fulfill my dream of becoming a professional soccer player. I wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for her. I thank God she was able to see me sign a Major League Soccer contract.
I want to thank my long-time coach and mentor Monty Hawkins, for being by my side every step of the way. I would also like to thank all my coaches and teammates who saw something in me and pushed me to be the best I could be. Playing sports has taught me to be humble, resilient, and, most importantly, overcome adversity. I’m very grateful to be inducted into the PIL Hall of Fame.
"The highest human act is to inspire" Ermias Joseph Asghedom.