By Randy Vogt, Director of Public Relations, Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association
January 22, 2013-The Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) is very pleased that Don Anding of the Long Island Junior Soccer League’s Albertson Academy has been chosen in the 2013 MLS Draft held at the Indiana Convention Center. As the 26th overall selection, Don became the newest member of the Philadelphia Union.
Don became the first Northeastern University player to be drafted by a MLS team. He made his reputation as a big-time goal-scorer for the Huskies last fall and he is willing to move to defense if it means earning a spot on the Philadelphia Union.
The 5-11, 168-lb. Long Islander will have to make that sacrifice to earn a spot on the Union, even though he found the goal 14 times for Northeastern in 2012. And that kind of attitude suited Philadelphia coach John Hackworth just fine.
"One place we see Andy in is left back, but he’s a versatile player," Coach Hackworth stated. "He needs some time, but he has tools that nobody can coach. Incredible athlete, but his character was what won us over. Talking to his coaches, watching him throughout the season. His character, the way he goes about his work, he’s the kind of kid that we want in our locker room."
Don won a State Open Cup title with Albertson in 2008. He was also a standout for Chaminade High School in Mineola, being honored as an All-League and All-New York State selection plus a Newsday All-Long Island second team choice.
At Northeastern, Don scored 11 goals in his first three seasons, but enjoyed a stellar 14-goal tally last fall. He was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist as well as being a NSCAA Third Team All-American selection.
With 123,843 youth soccer players––68,587 boys and 55,256 girls––and more than 25,000 volunteers, the non-profit Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA) stretches from Montauk Point, Long Island to the Canadian border. Members are affiliated with 12 leagues throughout the association, which covers the entire state of New York east of Route 81. ENYYSA exists to promote and enhance the game of soccer for children and teenagers between the ages of 5 and 19 years old, and to encourage the healthy development of youth players, coaches, referees and administrators. All levels of soccer are offered––from intramural, travel team and premier players as well as Special Children. No child who wants to play soccer is turned away. ENYYSA is a proud member of the United States Soccer Federation and United States Youth Soccer Association. For more information, please log on to http://www.enysoccer.com/, which receives nearly 300,000 hits annually from the growing soccer community.