NASHVILLE (Jan. 13, 2020) – Nashville Soccer Club completed the final rounds of the 2020 Major League Soccer SuperDraft presented by adidas on Monday by selecting forward Shak Adams from Florida Gulf Coast University and midfielder Luke Haakenson from Creighton University in the Third and Fourth Rounds on Monday afternoon.
Adams, a native of Antioch, Tenn., was selected by Nashville SC with the second pick in the Third Round of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. Adams played four seasons at Florida Gulf Coast University, totaling 71 appearances with 50 starts, recording 23 goals and registering 16 assists. In his junior campaign, Adams led the team in both goals and assists with eight apiece as well as in game winning goals with three. Adams also spent time training with Nashville SC during the past two summers.
Following the selection of Adams, Nashville selected Haakenson from Creighton University. Haakenson played four seasons for the Blue Jays, appearing in 74 matches in his collegiate career. Haakenson finished his senior season with five goals, the second most on the Creighton squad. His three game-winning goals were the most of anyone on the roster in 2019.
In the first two rounds of the SuperDraft on Jan. 9, Nashville SC selected defender Jack Maher (No. 2), defender Alistair Johnston (No. 11), goalkeeper Elliot Panicco (No. 13) and midfielder Tanner Dieterich (No. 28). Maher was selected in unprecedented fashion as General Manager Mike Jacobs and a bus of Nashville SC supporters arrived at Maher’s home in Caseyville, Illinois to draft the Big Ten Defensive Player of the year in person.
Fans will have a chance to meet all of Nashville SC’s SuperDraft picks along with the rest of the 2020 Nashville SC roster for the first time on Saturday, Jan. 18 as NSC is set to host its 2020 Home Kit Reveal Party, presented by Renasant, from 2-5 p.m. CT at the Wildhorse Saloon Nashville.
The event is set to kick off the 2020 preseason slate as Nashville SC prepares for its inaugural MLS match against Atlanta United, presented by Renasant Bank, on Feb. 29. Tickets are available through Season Ticket Memberships starting at just $425 ($25 per game). Be sure to secure your place in history with the best seats for Feb. 29 and throughout the inaugural season by visiting NashvilleSC.com/Tickets or calling 615-750-8800.
SHAK ADAMS
Position: Forward
Height: 5-7
Weight: 138
Birthdate: Sep. 7, 1998
Age: 21
Born: Antioch, TN
Hometown: Antioch, TN
Nationality: American
Last club: Florida Gulf Coast University
How Acquired: Selected by Nashville with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft
Transaction: Shak Adams was selected by Nashville with the No. 54 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft
LUKE HAAKENSON
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-10
Weight: 175
Birthdate: Sep. 10, 1997
Age: 22
Born: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Hometown: Maple Grove, Minnesota
Nationality: American
Last club: Creighton University
How Acquired: Selected by Nashville with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft
Transaction: Luke Haakenson was selected by Nashville with the No. 80 overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft
