DAVIS, Calif. – Former UC Davis standout
Maximilian Arfsten was selected 14
th overall by the Columbus Crew Wednesday evening at the MLS SuperDraft. Arfsten played for the Aggies for two seasons in 2019 and 2021. He becomes the sixth player in program history to be drafted by a Major League Soccer team and fourth in the last five years.
Arfsten joins an elite list of Aggie professionals that includes Nabi Kibunguchy (2021), drafted by Minnesota United FC,
Wallis Lapsley (2020) and
Roy Boateng (2019), each drafted by the New York Red Bulls, Quincy Amarikwa (San Jose Earthquakes, 2009) and Ryan Shaw (Los Angeles Galaxy, 2005).
Arfsten became the second Aggie to be named the Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year when he earned the top honor after his sophomore season in 2021. The 6-1 forward paced the Ags with 23 points on eight goals and seven assists in 20 games played in what was his final season in a UCD uniform.
After the 2021 campaign, the Fresno native played for the Earthquakes II squad in MLS NEXT Pro action, where he appeared in 24 matches with 21 starts and scored nine goals and handed out six assists, while firing off 45 shots.
The Crew finished the 2022 season eighth overall in the Eastern Conference with 46 points, just missing out on the seventh and final playoff spot.
