$500K in GAM, the 14th and 43rd overall picks. That’s what was needed to draft Aidan O’Connor 12th overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
"His overall athleticism matches the profile we look for in a center back," Scout Jimmy Mulligan said. "He has the defensive instincts to play in a high-pressing style and also shows a good ability to break lines. We feel he has all the attributes to compete at the MLS level."
O’Connor spent his two seasons each of his collegiate career at Western Michigan University and the University of Virginia.
Playing at his home college of WMU, he made 22 appearances and recorded two goals. The Production put him as a two-time Michigan Gatorade Player of the Year in 2018 and 2019 and was also a two-time United Soccer Coaches All-American in those years as well.
Spending his last two seasons at UoV, he made 31 appearances and recorded one goal and two assists. Playing in 17 matches and helping post 6 shutouts during his senior season, O’Connor led Virginia to an NCAA Sweet-16 appearance and was named to the 2022 All-ACC Academic team.