NEW YORK — A few major names from the senior class in the college ranks have signed with MLS, the league announced on Wednesday.
Michael Farfan, the talented attacking midfielder from the University of North Carolina, and a AJ Soares, a big centerback from Cal, have agreed to contracts with MLS and will head to Ft. Lauderdale for next month's MLS Combine.
They will be joined by two of Farfan's Tar Heels teammates, defender Jalil Anibaba and midfielder Stephen McCarthy, who have also signed with the league.
A former U-17 international, Farfan helped UNC win the 2009 NCAA championship and reach the College Cup this past season. He is a creative attacking midfielder who many believe could start right away.
Skillful, composed, and well-sized, Soares is already being heralded as one of the ones to watch in 2011. There is speculation that a few clubs might try to trade up in the MLS SuperDraft to acquire the 2010 Pac-10 Player of the Year.
Anibaba, a former US youth international, transfered to UNC from Santa Clara after the 2009 season. He anchored a defense that allowed just 17 goals in 24 matches, including 11 shutouts, in 2010.
The 6'4" McCarthy, who also transfered to UNC from Santa Clara, scored in the Tar Heels' loss to Louisville in the College Cup semifinals.
