Tighe Dombrowski Picked In Fifth Round of MLS DraftJan. 16, 2004 CHARLOTTE, N.C. - For the second consecutive season a Dombrowski on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee men's soccer team has been drafted in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. One year after brother Chad was taken with the 44th pick overall, senior Tighe Dombrowski was selected with the 10th pick in the fifth round by defending MLS Champion San Jose here Friday (Jan. 16). Dombrowski, the 50th pick overall, becomes just the second UWM soccer standout to get drafted by Major League Soccer. "There were a few anxious moments today but I'm really happy with how the draft went," Dombrowski said. "It's great to be going to such a successful team like San Jose, one that already has a culture of winning established. Hopefully I can get in there and make an impact while learning from some of the guys they already have. Playing at UWM really helped prepare me for this day. The coaches treated us and trained us at a professional level every day and hopefully that can give me an advantage." One of the most decorated players in school history, Dombrowski was one of just ten players in history to earn First-Team All-Horizon League honors for three straight seasons. A four-year starter, Dombrowski played in three NCAA Tournament's while on campus with first round wins coming in each of the last two seasons. "This is huge because Tighe is being drafted by the top team in Major League Soccer," UWM head coach Louis Bennett said. "It's just another step forward for the program and a way for us to move forward to another level. It gives a vision to our current and future players that if they succeed at UWM they can be recognized and play at the next level." The West Allis-native was named a First-Team All-Great Lakes Region performer by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America this past fall, coming on the heels of a Third-Team showing in 2002. A member of the 2003 Horizon League All-Tournament team, the midfielder was also named the Most Valuable Player of the 2003 Green Bay/FILA Classic thanks to four goals in two UWM wins. For his career, Dombrowski scored 16 goals to go with 13 assists in 79 career games. "I think Tighe will has all the tools to contribute and play in the MLS," Bennett added. "He will get himself prepared to compete and play at that level. It's just a great accolade for him, his family, and the program."
If Dombrowski makes the San Jose roster he will become the second Milwaukee player in the MLS. Former Panther Manny Lagos, a member of San Jose's 2003 MLS Championship team, will play the 2004 for Columbus following a recent trade.
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