University of Albany's Steward Ceus Drafted by Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids - UAlbany Sports

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

St. Louis, Mo. – University at Albany’s Steward Ceus was chosen in the 2009 Major League Soccer Draft’s third round by the Colorado Rapids, held today at the Saint Louis Convention Center. He was the 37th overall selection. Ceus, a third-team NSCAA/adidas All-American and America East Conference Goalkeeper of the Year, is the first Great Dane in school history to be drafted by an MLS franchise.

“I am very excited to take the next step in my career and play at the professional level,” said Ceus, a 6-foot-6 goalkeeper who will join Bouna Coundoul, a 2005 UAlbany graduate and two-time America East goalkeeper of the year, in Colorado. “This was also very ironic. I came to UAlbany to try and follow the path that Bouna paved. Now I am following his path again, and I will once again try to fill his shoes.”

In 2008, Ceus became the first UAlbany men’s soccer player to garner All-America honors at any level since Marty Hearney was voted to the Division III All-American squad in 1991. The senior co-captain eclipsed Division I program records for career shutouts (19) and saves (329) while posting a .856 save percentage, an 0.96 goals against average and seven shutouts as a senior. He finished the season ranked fourth in the nation in saves per game (5.93) and ninth in save percentage.

“Steward is a gifted goalkeeper who should do very well and follow in the steps behind Bouna, who can help him as a mentor,” UAlbany coach Johan Aarnio offered. “I congratulate him and wish him the best of luck.”

UAlbany posted a 12-4-2 overall record this year, which matched a Division I program record set in 2004. The team’s nine-win improvement tied for third in the nation with Fairleigh Dickinson, only trailing Maryland (13) and St. John’s (10). In addition, the Great Danes’ seven-game unbeaten streak before suffering a 1-0 double overtime loss to Binghamton in the semifinal round of the conference tournament was a program standard in the club’s Division I history.