Former Eastern New York ODP player Taylor Washington goes second round in MLS SuperDraft

(Via ENYYSA) – Somers resident Taylor Washington, who grew up playing for club team FC Somers Lasers and for three years in the Olympic Development Program (ODP) of the Eastern New York Youth Soccer Association (ENYYSA), was drafted in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft last week by the Philadelphia Union.

“Taylor possesses great athletic ability and a lethal left foot. He was our left-sided forward and was counted on to score goals, although at a young age we moved players around to get them used to playing different roles and positions,” commented FC Somers Lasers coach Erhardt Kapp, a former professional player. “His ability to beat players 1v1 on the dribble with speed is what separated him from others.”

The Lasers won the State Open Cup twice, as Under-12s in 2006 and as Under-13s in 2007, the same year that they won the Northeast Regional Premier (NERP) League championship.

Jason Weisberg coached Washington in ODP and stated, “It was a very talented team and Taylor was always focused and ready with a great training mentality. He was clean with the ball, stood out early tactically and brought enthusiasm to every training. It was a privilege to coach him.”

Washington, who received more than 80 college scholarship offers before he graduated from Rye Country Day School, got a taste of the big time when he played last summer for DC United’s Under-23 squad.

“The kid has been absolutely fantastic for us, absolutely fantastic,” DC United U-23 coach Richie Burke said.”He’s been colossal. He’s played so well I find it hard to get him off the field.”

Previously, Washington played for a Premier Development League (PDL) team, Massachusetts’ Worcester Hydra FC, in 2012, the only season of their existence.

He played his freshman year for Boston University. After passing all his classes but struggling academically and then receiving a dyslexia diagnosis, he took a break, sitting out the 2012 season, to receive tutoring.

He transferred to George Mason University as the Virginia school offers greater assistance to students with learning disabilities. And it worked out as he now carries better than a 3.5 GPA and started every match that he was available for the past three years.

“As Taylor progressed, he became a left back because of his ability to go forward and help out in the attacking third. He learned how to become a good defender, which the Union will need since they gave up lots of goals last year,” added Coach Kapp. “I am happy that he was drafted by Philadelphia since they have many open roster spots and hopefully, he will get his chance to showcase his ability at the next level. I am grateful that I was able to play a small role to help shape him into the player he is today.”