NEW YORK – Portland Pilots defender Nikos Clarke-Tosczak makes it back-to-back first round picks for the Pilots in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, going 19th overall to Sporting Kansas City. Clarke-Tosczak becomes the 14^th Pilot since 2016 to earn their chance to play Major League Soccer.
 
With his selection, Clarke-Tosczak makes it 10 players that have been drafted to MLS from Portland since 2016 and marks the first time in program history the Pilots have had multiple players taken in the first round. Joe Highfield was drafted 11^th overall in the 2026 SuperDraft along with Clarke-Tosczak. Prior draft picks include Paul Christensen (2018), Rey Ortiz (2020), Kevin Bonilla (2024), Jacob Babalai (2024), Buba Fofanah (2024), Efetobo Aror (2025) and Nick Fernandez (2025), with Fernandez signing with the San Jose Earthquakes in February of this year.
 
Portland has had prominent homegrown signings as well since Portland Head Coach Nick Carlin-Voigt took the helm. Benji Michel and Kris Reaves each signed homegrown contracts with Orlando SC and FC Dallas respectively back in 2018 while Delentz Pierre and Brandon Cambridge each signed with Real Salt Lake and Charlotte FC in 2022. Tommy Musto signed with LAFC in 2024 as a free agent as well.
 
Clarke-Tosczak was one of two Pilots selected for the 2025 MLS Showcase along with Highfield, who did not participate due to injury. Clarke-Tosczak played one season with Portland, competing in all 20 matches and logging the most minutes for Portland at 1,643 minutes. He had four assists starting at left back. He earned All-WCC Honorable Mention, helping guide a defense that allowed just 12 goals, the fewest since 1988 for a Pilot squad and tied for the sixth fewest in the nation.
 
The Pilots put together one of the best seasons in program history this year. Their 14-2-4 record gave them their best winning percentage since 1988 (.800) and helped them earn the 8-seed in the NCAA Tournament. It's the third time in program history the Pilots have earned the first-round bye and the second time under Carlin-Voigt. They advanced to the Elite Eight for the second time under Carlin-Voigt and third time since 1995.
 
They were one of the best teams statistically this season, third in assists (56), fourth in assists per game (2.75), fifth in goal differential (31), sixth in win-lost-tied percentage (.800) and team goals-against average (.624), seventh in points (142) and points per game (7.05), 12^th in total goals (43) and 13^th in goals per game (2.15). Their 56 assists broke a program record set two years prior. 

---

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 University of Portland Athletics can do so by clicking here. Your gift helps our over 300 student-athletes compete at the highest level – on and off the field - in the rapidly changing world of intercollegiate athletics. All gifts to Pilot Athletics are 100% tax deductible.

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.