University of Connecticut Athletics
Trio of Huskies Selected in 2026 MLS SuperDraft
12/18/2025 9:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer
STORRS, Conn. – Three UConn men's soccer student-athletes were selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday afternoon. Ayoub Lajhar was the first Husky taken off the board in the second round, followed by Kyle Durham and Austin Brummett, who were both selected in the third round. The three selections mark the second consecutive year UConn has produced three MLS SuperDraft picks, raising the program's total to nine draftees under head coach Chris Gbandi.
"All of us at UConn Men's Soccer would like to congratulate Ayoub, Kyle and Austin on being selected in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft," said Gbandi. "They have all put in a great deal of work and we as a staff and program are very happy and proud that they have been given the opportunity to live their dream of playing professionally."
Ayoub Lajhar (Brattleboro, Vt.) was selected by FC Cincinnati with the 55th overall pick in the second round. Lajhar appeared in 20 matches, making 19 starts at left back for the Huskies in 2025. From his defensive position, he posted a career high nine points on a goal and a team high seven assists. Over his three seasons at UConn, Lajhar played in 52 matches, recording 15 points on 2 goals and 11 assists. His standout junior campaign earned him All-BIG EAST Second Team honors as well as United Soccer Coaches East All-Region Third Team recognition.
Kyle Durham (Brooklyn, N.Y.) was selected by San Diego FC with the 76th overall pick in the third round. Durham started in all 21 games in goal for the Huskies during the 2025 season, recording eight clean sheets. In his first season as UConn's full-time starter, he finished the year as the nation's leader in saves with 98 and led all BIG EAST goalkeepers in save percentage (.803) and saves per game (4.67). Durham's breakout sophomore campaign earned him a spot All-BIG EAST Second Team and the United Soccer Coaches East All-Region Third Team.
Austin Brummett (Bow, N.H.) was selected by Houston Dynamo FC with the 78th overall pick in the third round. After spending his first three seasons at San Diego State, Brummett transferred to UConn for his senior campaign. He appeared in 20 of UConn's 21 matches during the 2025 season, making 19 starts at forward. Brummett led the Huskies with 24 points on a team high 10 goals and 4 assists, marking the most goals and points by a Husky in a season since 2018. He also recorded 4 game-winning goals, ranking 15th nationally and second in the conference. Brummett's stellar senior season in Storrs earned him Third Team All-BIG EAST honors and United Soccer Coaches East All-Region First Team recognition.
