UNC defender Jeremy Kelly was the first Tar Heel off the board during Thursday’s MLS SuperDraft, as he was selected in the first round with the ninth overall pick by the Montreal Impact.

Kelly’s rights were then traded to the Colorado Rapids, who were looking to shore up their defense with the move. Colorado ended the 2019 season with a record of 12 wins, 16 losses and six draws–missing the playoffs with a ninth place finish in the 12-team Western Conference.

The native of the Czech Republic played in 79 games during his four years at UNC, starting 59 of them as a major piece of the Tar Heel defense.

Kelly also spent some time playing in the midfield for the Tar Heels, and ends his college career with six goals and 12 assists.

He was named an All-ACC performer for the first time in his career this past season, earning a spot on the league’s Second Team.

 

 

 

Photo via UNC Athletics

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