Chad Barrett, UCLA’s second leading goal scorer last
season, will forgo his remaining two years of eligibility and enter
the 2005 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
The decision to enter his name in the draft, which Barrett had
been contemplating since the end of the season last month, came
against the wishes of UCLA coach Jorge Salcedo. Upon hearing that
the sophomore forward may turn pro, Salcedo said he called Barrett
nearly every day to caution him about the risks of leaving the
program early as well as to assist him in his decision.
“I care about Chad, and I wanted him to make a good choice
for his future, but I can’t say that 100 percent I agree with
his decision because there’s a redeeming value for Chad to
stay for another year and also to stay at UCLA to finish his
education,” Salcedo said. “I guess that comes with the
territory here at UCLA. We get great players here and it’s
like a Catch-22 ““ I’d love for Chad to stay here for
another year and win a championship, but it speaks volumes for the
coaching staff and the program that we can continue to produce
professional players.”
In early October, Barrett denied that he would consider entering
the MLS SuperDraft after the season, saying he wanted to stay put
and lead the Bruins to an NCAA title. Salcedo said that
Barrett’s decision to leave was in no part due to the
team’s disappointing playoff exits the past two seasons.
“I think it’s been in Chad’s mind for a
while,” sophomore defender Patrick Ianni said. “He
seems to be excited and it was great decision for him. Sure, I wish
he would stay, but he really wanted to do it. It was right for
him.”
The Bruins and Salcedo were not too surprised by Barrett’s
choice, as the MLS has been interested in Barrett since his 10-goal
freshman campaign. The prolific scorer from Beaverton, Ore.,
followed up his first season, in which he earned Co-Pac-10 Freshman
of the Year honors, with a solid sophomore season in which he
scored six goals and 10 assists.
Coupling Barrett’s departure with the graduation of senior
forward Mike Enfield, who led the Pac-10 in scoring, the Bruins
will now be left with two large voids to fill on the offensive
end.
“Losing him and Mikey together stinks,” Ianni said.
“But they both are tremendous players, and I wish them the
best at the next level.”
“It’s tough to replace both of them, but we have
some very talented forwards ready to step forward. They have some
maturing to do this off-season and work, but I think the guys that
are still at UCLA will be able to step it up.”
Barrett did not return multiple phone calls and could not be
reached for comment.
Along with Barrett, who is currently training along with three
other Bruins to earn a spot on the U-20 National Team, Enfield and
senior defender Aaron Lopez, a two-time M.A.C. Hermann Trophy Watch
List Player, will also wait and see how they fare at the SuperDraft
to be held on Friday, Jan. 14 in Baltimore, Md.