Olsen: We believe we took the best left back at the combine
Washington, D.C. (January 17, 2013) - D.C. United today announced that the club has selected University of Maryland defender Taylor Kemp with the 17th overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Kemp is United’s lone selection from today’s event in Indianapolis and will join fellow Terrapin Ethan White in the nation’s capital after a standout collegiate career where he bolstered Maryland’s defense at left fullback.
Hailing from Highlands Ranch, Colo., Kemp made an immediate impact on a top-ranked Maryland squad, starting in every match but one, adding two assists and contributing to nine shutouts as a freshman in 2009. At the end of his rookie campaign, Kemp was an All-ACC Freshman Team pick and a Soccer America All-Freshman Team selection. Breaking out during his sophomore year with 23 starts, one goal and four assists, Kemp was a part of a Terps backline that tied a program record for shutouts (15) in a season. During his junior campaign in 2011, the defender was an integral part of a stingy Maryland defense that allowed only 1.05 goals per game. Kemp also tallied one goal and four assists in 21 starts and would subsequently be named a Second Team All-ACC selection. As a senior captain in 2012, Kemp appeared in 12 games and added six assists en route to receiving Second Team All-ACC honors.