Jan. 12, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — Former South Carolina soccer player Mike Sambursky was selected in the third round of Friday’s MLS SuperDraft by reigning Cup Champion Houston Dynamo at the Indianapolis Convention Center. Sambursky, who hails from the Houston area, was the 39th overall pick in the Draft and becomes the second Carolina player drafted in the last three years. In 2005, goalkeeper Brad Guzan was the No. 2 overall pick of CD Chivas USA.

Sambursky, who served as a team co-captain, concluded his Gamecock Soccer career this past fall. The 5-10, 180-pounder started three seasons for South Carolina, playing at the forward and midfield positions. Sambursky scored 60 career points on 20 goals and 22 assists, leading the Gamecocks in that category in each of his final three seasons. His career assist total ranks in the top 10 in school history. The native Texan was a two-time first-team All-South Region and all-Conference USA selection in 2005 and 2006. He helped South Carolina win 43 matches and make a pair of trips to the NCAA Tournament. The Gamecocks won the 2005 Conference USA Championship with Sambursky scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over Tulsa. He was named to the all-tournament squad.

At last week’s MLS Player Combine, Sambursky, who is extremely athletic, displayed his versatility by playing at outside back for his team at the event. Observers took notice and were impressed with his play, despite a lack of experience at the position.

Sambursky is the eighth Gamecock player drafted into the MLS since the league’s inception in 1996. All eight draftees played for head coach Mark Berson at USC.