STOCKTON, Calif. – Pacific soccer player and Stockton native Erik "Danny" Centeno was drafted in the first round of the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft on Tuesday. The 19th pick overall, Centeno was selected by Atlanta United FC. He played his first season at Pacific during the Fall 2021 season.
 
"It's something I've dreamed of since I was a little kid, so to be able to accomplish it here is amazing," said Centeno. It's a huge blessing for me and my family to accomplish this. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to do this."
 
Centeno was the only freshman to start and appear in all 16 games last season and tied for most goals on the team. Centeno was named West Coast Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week, First Team All-Conference, and Freshman Player of the Year.
 
"I'm thrilled for [Danny] and his family," said Pacific Head Coach Adam Reeves. "To spend this day with them and get to see his dreams become a reality it's very special. He's going to a wonderful organization, and now he gets to focus on soccer and prove that he belongs."
 
Centeno was named the WCC Co-Offensive Player of the Week after his two-goal, one assist game in a win over San Francisco.
 
"As a little kid, I remember going to Pacific games and watching them play, so to have been able to play for them is special and to have been drafted from Pacific is honestly the best thing that could have happened," said Centeno. I'm super excited and ready for this next journey of mine."
 
Assistant Men's Soccer Coach, Brian Lanoye, said Centeno is the epitome of what loving the game is all about. "He's one of the humblest and hardworking kids I've had the pleasure of working with. To see someone from our Stockton community take the next steps in reaching their dream makes me truly grateful to do what I do."
 
The MLS drafts collegiate players to Generation Adidas contracts every year – a joint program between the league and Adidas. This year's class consisted of eight players, one of them being Centeno.
 
"We're super proud of Erik and everything he has achieved in his short time with the Pacific men's soccer program," said Assistant Coach Darren Leslie. "He has made both his family and the Stockton community proud, and we can't wait to see him pull on the jersey at Atlanta United!"
 
Centeno helped lead the Tigers to a 9-5-2 record during the season, leading the team in total points and second in assists.
 
"We are not surprised by the success of Erik, said Janet Lucas, Director of Athletics. "He was a great asset to our program, and we look forward to cheering him on in Georgia."
 
Atlanta United FC is in the Eastern Conference of the MLS and is the most recent winner of the U.S Open Cup.