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Lipscomb soccer player Tyrese Spicer goes No. 1 in MLS SuperDraft to Toronto FC
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- Lipscomb soccer player Tyrese Spicer goes No. 1 in MLS SuperDraft to Toronto FC
Lipscomb forward Tyrese Spicer was drafted by Toronto FC with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft on Tuesday.
Spicer scored 14 goals and assisted on three others in 16 games this season, leading the Bisons to the Atlantic Sun Tournament championship and the first round of the NCAA Tournament. The native of Trinidad and Tobago was named ASUN Player of the Year and United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American in 2023.
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"It's an unbelievable feeling, I can't put it into words," Spicer said. "Coming from a small country like Trinidad and Tobago, going to the United States and being the No. 1 draft pick is insane."
In 57 games at Lipscomb, Spicer totaled 29 goals and 18 assists. He's the first No. 1 pick in the history of the Lipscomb soccer program.
"There were times I struggled, honestly," Spicer said of his childhood. "Sometimes I wouldn't have food, sometimes I wouldn't have money to go to school. ... I overcame that, I got the opportunity to go to Lipscomb. The coach there, Charles Morrow, he really helped me out, he really took me and guided me and really helped me direct myself to where I'm at right now."
Lipscomb's Tyrese Spicer was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft by Toronto FC.
Spicer was one of two pre-signed seniors entering this season's SuperDraft. Being pre-signed means that an MLS team had already agreed to draft Spicer.
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Toronto FC had the worst record in MLS last season, going 4-20-10, and scored just 26 goals in 34 games.
"My preferred position is left wing, striker or right wing," Spicer said. "I think I can fit into Toronto's system maybe as a wing back, or maybe as a striker or left wing. It depends on what type of formation they play."
Lipscomb forward Malachi Jones drafted at No. 8 by New York City FC
The Bisons had another player drafted Tuesday when New York City FC selected sophomore forward Malachi Jones with the eighth pick overall. Jones attended Grace Christian Academy and was named the Gatorade Tennessee Boys Soccer Player of the Year in 2022.
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Jones scored five goals and ranked third in the nation with 19 assists this season at Lipscomb.
"Malachi is a sweet soul. I can only say good things about him," Spicer said. "He always makes everyone feel at home. He always puts in the extra work to get to know you as an individual and show you how much you are loved. Me and Malachi have a real special connection."
Jacob Shames can be reached by email at jshames@gannett.com and on Twitter @Jacob_Shames.
This article originally appeared on Clarksville Leaf-Chronicle: Tyrese Spicer: Lipscomb forward goes No. 1 overall in MLS SuperDraft
