Longwood University Senior Jeol Helmick Selected In The MLS Supplemental Draft

JOEL HELMICK SELECTED IN THE MLS SUPPLEMENTAL DRAFT

FARMVILLE, Va. - Longwood University men’s soccer senior Joel Helmick|Springfield (W.T. Woodson) has been selected by the Colorado Rapids with the 14th pick in the fourth round of the 2012 Major League Soccer (MLS) Supplemental Draft. Helmick was a four-year starter for the Lancers and posted a career 1.38 goals against average with 14 shutouts. He is the first Longwood player selected in the MLS Supplemental Draft. Joel is the son of Jeff and Claudia Helmick.

“This is a great day for Joel and his family, as well as Longwood and the Lancer soccer program, as we can all share and celebrate his draft to the Colorado Rapids,” said head coach Jon Atkinson. “Joel is a beacon for future aspiring athletes at Longwood, and a testimony that hard work and dedication, along with talent, can get you closer to your dream no matter the size of the school nor the history of a program. We wish Joel all the best and pray he goes all the way as he embarks on what will be a challenging preseason with a professional MLS outfit.”

Helmick started 71 of 74 matches and played 6637:22 in goal over his four-year career. He made 273 saves for a .728 save percentage and posted a 25-31-13 record. Helmick had his best season as a senior with a career-best 0.92 save percentage, 11-6-3 record and six shutouts. He stopped 72 shots for a .791 save percentage and played 1864:29 in goal, missing just 23:05 the entire season.

Helmick earned First Team All-Atlantic Soccer Conference (ASC) recognition as a senior, and was named the ASC Tournament Most Valuable Player and ASC Tournament Outstanding Defensive Player as he guided the Lancers to their second ASC tournament championship in four seasons. Both tournament matches went to a penalty kick shootout, and he stopped a pair of penalty kick attempts in both matches. Helmick was named ASC Rookie of the Year and ASC Tournament Most Valuable Player as a freshman.