Courtesy Fresno Pacific Sports Information

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno Pacific forward Paul Islas will fulfill a lifelong dream of playing for a Major League Soccer team after being drafted in the first round with the19th pick of the MLS Supplemental Draft by Chivas USA.

In Fresno Pacific’s first year in NCAA Division II, Islas was the first player from D-II to be drafted in 2013.

“I was watching the live feed and the draft tracker on the website and it was having trouble loading up,” Islas said. “I started getting all these texts saying congratulations and I had no idea what they were talking about until someone finally said I got drafted by Chivas USA.”

Islas capped off one of the best careers in Sunbird history with a 22-goal and 12-assist senior season that earned him multiple regional and national awards including being named to an NSCAA Division II All-American in Fresno Pacific’s first season as an NCAA institution.

He led Fresno Pacific to a second-place finish in its inaugural season in the Pacific West Conference. He finished his career third all-time in goals (55) and third all-time in assists (33) at Fresno Pacific.

Chivas USA general manager Kevin Esparza knew with those kinds of career numbers, Islas deserved a serious look from the MLS.

“Fifty-five goals opens up your eyes and 33 assists shows you he is not just a guy who can score, but also a player who can create for others, Esparza said. "He is good with both feet, he’s got great speed, and he is a dynamic player. He has had a good college career and we hope that turns into a good pro career.”

Islas was the second FPU player to be drafted in the MLS (Orland Ramirez, 2005, 3rd Round, San Jose Earthquakes) and looks to become the fourth player in Sunbird history to play for an MLS franchise.