LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ – Rider University All-American senior men's soccer student-athlete Jose Aguinaga (Madrid, Spain) was selected by the New York Red Bulls in the 4^th Round of the MLS Superdraft (85^th overall). The selection caps a banner year and career for Aguinaga, who earned United Soccer Coaches All-America Second Team and led the Broncs to their third-straight MAAC Championship Game. Aguinaga joins fellow former Bronc Florian Valot, who recent signed with the Red Bulls. Aguinaga is the Broncs' first professional draft pick since Bobby Smith was selected by the Philadelphia Atoms in their inaugural year of 1973.

"It's a great day for Rider Soccer, but most importantly for Jose," said Rider Head Coach Charlie Inverso. "He has the talent and character to become a great pro and will do whatever it takes to get to make the first team. He really wanted to go to the Red Bulls because they are one of the best organizations in the league and Jesse is a great coach. I can't wait to tell the coaches and players and others at Rider who all played a big part in him getting drafted."

Rider's sixth All-American in program history, Aguinaga led Rider to back-to-back Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Tournament Championships in 2015 and 2016 and three-straight MAAC Championship Games in his final three seasons.  
 
The 2017 Preseason MAAC Player of the Year, a three-time All-MAAC First Team and All-Northeast Region selection, Aguinaga finished second in the league with nine assists to go along with three goals, two game-winners, all in conference play. He also distributed five of his nine assists against league foes. He scored the equalizer at Saint Peter's, before adding the game-winning goals against Niagara and Iona. His free kick with six seconds left defeated the Purple Eagles, while he finished a cross from his brother, Sergio, in the 77^th minute at Iona to down the Gaels. 

Aguinaga also made his second appearance on the All-ECAC Team this year. He finishes his collegiate career as Rider's all-time leader in assists with 32, six more than any other player in program history.

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