Ireland's Aaron Molloy has been selected at 16th overall in the 2020 MLS Draft by the Portland Timbers.
The Dublin native has been plying his trade at the collegiate level at Penn State, where he was named captain for his senior year. Molloy has impressed, producing some jaw-dropping moments such as this goal against Appalachian State University late last year.
Rocket shots only. 🚀🚀🚀@aaronmolloy18 @NCAASoccer #WeAre | #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/DHG7NknGNg
— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) October 26, 2019
Molloy was predicted to near the top ten in the draft, but would ultimately fall to 16th.
Coming in at #16, @PennStateMSOC midfielder Aaron Molloy (@aaronmolloy18) heads to @TimbersFC. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/jcbkfTgwLd
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 9, 2020
Can’t wait to see more from @aaronmolloy18. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/tGfN9y0fR8
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 9, 2020
Portlands's season in 2019 would see them finish sixth in the Western Conference standings, before falling to a 2-1 defeat in the first round of the playoffs against Real Salt Lake. However, they have reached the MLS Cup final as recently as 2018.
Aaron is the son of renowned League of Ireland legend Trevor Molloy, who won numerous honours his time in the league. He first moved to America in 2016 to play with Keiser University in Florida, but was soon picked up by a more prestigious school.
His selection in the draft brings to an end a remarkable journey, and one that is certainly different than we would see the majority of Irish players take.
Turning 23-years old later this week, he will be hoping to make an immediate impact in the MLS.
