Grazier Taken by Colorado in MLS SuperDraft
Jan. 18, 2008
ST. LOUIS • Saint Louis senior midfielder Brian Grazier was selected by the Colorado Rapids in the fourth round (47th overall) of today's Major League Soccer SuperDraft in Baltimore, Md. "Brian is the one of the classiest and most professional players that I have had the opportunity to coach at Saint Louis University," Billiken head coach Dan Donigan said. "He is very deserving of the chance to play MLS, and everyone associated with our program is proud of him. We wish him nothing but the best in his professional career." Grazier joined the Billikens in 2003 after competing for the U.S. Under-17 National Team and completing his residency at the Edison Academic Center in Bradenton, Fla. He made an immediate impact his freshman season, picking up Conference USA All-Freshman Team accolades in addition to second-team All-Conference honors. A native of Edwardsville, Ill., Grazier has been a key element in the midfield for the Billikens, having played in over 70 matches throughout his career. He sat out the 2005 season with an injury, but rebounded to play in every game in 2006 and was a key reason SLU claimed the 11th seed in the NCAA Tournament. This year, Grazier played in 13 games and continued to act as a stabilizing force in the midfield as the Billikens posted a 12-2-5 record. In addition to effectively executing SLU's defensive scheme, he notched a career-high six points (1G, 4A). Grazier scored his first and only goal in a Billiken uniform in SLU's 2-1 victory against then-No. 2 Indiana on Sept. 15. Grazier will attempt to join other Billiken alumni in MLS that currently includes Jack Jewsbury and Will John in Kansas City, Jacob Thomas and Tim Ward in Columbus, Brad Davis in Houston and John DiRaimondo in Colorado. Since 2001, the Billikens have had nine players drafted by MLS.
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