PORTLAND, Ore. -- With the 41st pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Jacob Babalai was selected by Charlotte FC, becoming the 10th Pilot in program history to be drafted and the second selection from Portland in this draft. It's the first time Portland has had multiple draft picks in the same SuperDraft in program history.

Since 2000, the Pilots have seen 10 players, including Babalai, selected in the draft, and now four since 2018. Prior to the 2024 draft, the last Pilot to be taken in the draft was Rey Ortiz back in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. He was the 29^th overall pick in the draft that year to FC Cincinnati.

Babalai had a stellar senior year for Portland, posting 12 goals and four assists across 17 games for 28 points. He led the WCC in goals and points and was also 15^th and 20^th nationally in those respective categories. The Oregon native's goal total was the most through just 17 games for a Pilot since Stevie Evans in 2012. He was a United Soccer Coaches All-West Region Second Team selection and an All-WCC First Team selection as well. Along with fellow draftee Kevin Bonilla, he was one of 44 players selected for the adidas 2023 College Showcase.

Since Nick Carlin-Voigt took over as head coach in 2016, Portland has seen eight players including Babalai and Bonilla earn first team contracts either through the SuperDraft or homegrown signings. Paul Christensen was taken 70^th overall in the SuperDraft back in 2018 by Atlanta United while Ortiz was taken by FC Cincinnati in 2020. Benji Michel signed a homegrown contract with Orlando SC and Kris Reaves signed with FC Dallas back in 2018 while Delentz Pierre and Brandon Cambridge signed with Real Salt Lake and Charlotte FC respectively last year.

The Pilots finished off a historic year that saw them go 12-5 and earn a first-round bye for the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1988. They boasted a home unbeaten streak of 26-0-2 that was a program record and the longest in the nation. They led the WCC in 11 different categories and nationally ranked first in points per game (8.47), second in assists per game (3.18) and scoring offense (2.65), fourth in assists (54), fifth in points (144), sixth in goals (45) and goal differential (30), 12^th in shutout percentage (.471), 21^st in overall win percentage (.706) and 24^th in goals-against average (.882).

---

Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot now for any upcoming Portland Pilots ticketed home event by visiting PortlandPilots.com/Tickets or by downloading the Portland Pilots App.  For group and fan experience package information, email pilotsboxoffice@up.edu.

Donate Today
Fans interested in making a contribution to the Pilot Athletic Fund can do so by clicking here. Your gift directly helps our nearly 300 student-athletes as they strive to make a difference in our community and achieve academic and athletic excellence. Thank you for support of Pilot Athletics!

Follow Along With the Action
Get the latest news and information about your favorite University of Portland athletic programs by visiting PortlandPilots.com. You can also follow along for the most dynamic coverage and team-centric content by following us on Twitter, liking us on Facebook, and following us on Instagram.