Jan. 26, 2006

University of Dayton men's soccer senior forward Omar Jarun was selected by Atlanta with the sixth overall pick of the USL First Division Draft. The USL First Division, formerly known as A-League, is one of the top soccer leagues in North America.

Jarun, an All-Atlantic 10 pick, led UD in scoring and was second in the A-10 in goals with 10 and third in both assists (seven) and points (27). After transferring to Dayton from the University of Memphis, Jarun racked up 19 goals in two seasons as a Flyer. In two seasons with Memphis, Jarun tallied eight goals.

The 6-foot-5 native of Peachtree City, GA, was a Second Team All-Atlantic 10 pick in 2004, and a preseason All-Conference selection this past season. He earned a spot on the All-Championship team at the A-10 tournament as UD pounded Charlotte, 3-1, in the quarterfinals and tied No. 1 seed Saint Louis 1-1 in the semis before succumbing 5-4 in penalty kicks. Jarun tallied the lone UD goal in regulation versus Saint Louis. The Flyers finished last season 11-5-4 overall.

Earlier this month, he was one of just 54 college soccer players invited to the 2006 adidas MLS Player Combine as one of 18 forwards invited.

The USL First Division is one step below MLS, and comprised of 12 teams: Atlanta Silverbacks, Charleston Battery, Minnesota Thunder, Montreal Impact, Portland Timbers, Puerto Rico Islanders, Rochester Raging Rhinos, Seattle Sounders, Toronto Lynx, Vancouver Whitecaps, Virginia Beach Mariners, and a new yet to be named franchise in Miami.