Zalinsky and Collins Selected in 2024 MLS SuperDraft

PISCATAWAY, N.J. — Joey Zalinsky and Nick Collins of the Rutgers men’s soccer team were selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft Friday evening. 

Zalinsky was chosen by St. Louis City SC with the seventh pick of the second round, 37th overall. Collins was selected with the 25^th pick in the third round, 85^th overall, by Minnesota United. 

Rutgers ⚔️➡️ St. Louis 🔻

Congrats to the newest member of @stlCITYsc, Joey Zalinsky ⚽️#GoRU | #RUMS pic.twitter.com/Tab7c0VbCV

— Rutgers Men’s Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) December 20, 2024

DRAFTED‼️

Congrats to Nick Collins on being selected 85th overall by @MNUFC ⚽️#GoRU | #RUMS pic.twitter.com/i2GoBzgEbU

— Rutgers Men’s Soccer (@RUMensSoccer) December 20, 2024

Both mark the first picks since 2023 when MD Myers was picked 66^th overall by NYC FC. It is also the first time since 2016 two Scarlet Knights have been selected in the same draft.  

Zalinsky is the highest overall MLS SuperDraft pick in the draft since Dilly Duka was chosen eighth in 2010. 

A two-year captain, Zalinsky led the Rutgers’ back line throughout his four years “On The Banks.” He stepped on the pitch 58 times and made 59 starts, consistently shutting down the opposition’s biggest threats and being touted as one of the top defenders in the Big Ten. 

The Brick, New Jersey native recorded six points during his collegiate career, scoring two goals and two assists. Four of those points came in his senior season, as he found the back of the net against Delaware (Aug. 26) and added two helpers versus Northeastern (Aug. 22). 

Collins has also been a solid piece of RU’s defense for the past two seasons. He was named to the 2023 Big Ten All-Freshman team and started all 28 games he has been available for in his college career. 

Collins has three career points, recording an assist versus Michigan State (Sept. 17) during his freshman campaign and a goal this past slate versus Penn State (Oct. 7). 

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