STOCKTON, Calif. - With the 2022 MLS Draft just a few days away, Erik Centeno is preparing for what will hopefully be the best day of his career to this point. 

Generation adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas that sees a handful of top collegiate underclassmen and youth national team players signed by MLS to Generation adidas contracts and made available in the SuperDraft. In order to provide Generation adidas players with the best professional environment, Generation adidas player salaries are not charged against an MLS team's annual salary budget, providing an added incentive for that club to develop the player. Eventually, these GA players graduate to senior player contracts and their salaries are charged against a team's budget.

Centeno was one of eight underclassmen that was signed to the 2022 class and one of only two freshman to be signed. Centeno was the only freshman to start in all 16 games for Pacific, recording six goals and five assists. Following the season, he garnered first-team All-West Coast Conference and the conference's Freshman of the Year honors after leading the Tigers in points and tying for the team lead in goals.

"We are all extremely proud of Erik and the opportunity to sign a Generation Adidas deal," says Head Coach Adam Reeves. "Our job is always to give our players the best platform and tools in order to be successful on and off the field. With the help of his teammates, Erik was successful and proved to be one of the best young talents in the country. The Generation Adidas deal ensures Erik has the long term commitment from the MLS to further his development and help him continue to achieve his goals and aspirations."