Two former SMU men’s soccer players were selected in the MLS Superdraft.

The Houston Dynamo selected goalie Michael Nelson with the 20th pick of the first round. Nelson had a terrific career for SMU, saving 79.3 percent of the shots that came at him during his four years in the net. He had a save percentage of 84 percent last season, and was a big piece of SMU’s NCAA Tournament run. Nelson was the third goalie taken in the draft.

Mauro Cichero was the second SMU player selected, as FC Dallas took him with the sixth pick of the second round. The dynamic forward scored 24 goals and racked up 21 assists in his career at SMU. He will be joining former SMU teammate Jordan Cano at FC Dallas, who signed a homegrown contract with the club on January 11.

The men’s soccer team had a terrific 2017 season, winning 17 games, two of which came in the NCAA Tournament. Friday, two of the squad’s biggest stars were rewarded with professional opportunities.