Noah Merl 3rd round pick of Earthquakes
MLS Drafts 2 Golden Bears in Supplemental Draft

Posted: 2/4/2005 
Updated: 7/23/2009

Feb. 4, 2005

BERKELEY - The California men’s soccer team had two players taken in the MLS supplemental draft, seniors Mike Munoz and Noah Merl. Munoz, Merl and fellow senior Troy Roberts, taken with the 8th pick of the first round in the MLS SuperDraft, place Cal tied for second with eight other universities having had three players drafted by Major League Soccer.

"Having three players drafted by the MLS is a true milestone for Cal soccer and the 2004 senior class," said Cal head coach Kevin Grimes. "This is really gratifying for the Athletic Department and our program. Our alumni can be proud to have these players in the MLS."

Munoz, a four-year starter in the midfield for the Golden Bears, slowed somewhat in 2004 by injuries, was taken with the second pick of the third round by the Los Angeles Chivas, an expansion team playing its first season in 2005 in the MLS.

Merl, a four-year starter in defense on Cal’s heralded back line, was taken in the third round as well, going to the San Jose Earthquakes with the fifth pick of the round. Merl was a standout for De La Salle High School and the DVSC Renegades premier team. His teammate at school and club, Chris Wondolowski, was also drafted by San Jose.