Men’s soccer standouts Luther Archimede and Sondre Norheim taken in 2021 MLS Superdraft

Apparently you can add the Syracuse Orange men’s soccer team getting someone drafted in the first round of the MLS Superdraft, to death and taxes, since they’re pretty much guarantees. In the 2021 iteration of the draft, seniors Luther Archimede and Sondre Norheim both continued the streak of Orange being selected in January.

Luther Archimede became the latest Orange to have his name called in the first round of the draft, going 13th overall to the New York Red Bulls. Archimede’s selection continues the streak of the program having a first round draft pick for seven years running.

During his Syracuse career he netted four goals and an assist, all in his junior season. His senior season was cut short by the amended fall season this year. The forward was known for his aerial play and aggressiveness. As he was more than willing to go headstrong into a challenge, he accumulated three red cards and five yellows in his time at Syracuse.

The Petit-Bourg, Guadeloupe native came to the Orange after playing through the Sochaux academy in France earning a senior appearance for FC Sochaux in the Coup de France against Lille. He has represented Guadeloupe at the U-20 level and has one senior cap to his name, in the CONCACAF Nations League.

The Syracuse captain Sondre Norheim was picked up with the 73rd pick in the draft by Nashville SC, who actually traded for the spot they took him with. The versatile defender from Bryne, Norway caps off a great Orange career, as a standout in defense for the squad over the years. Both in defense and pushing forward, Norheim will be an asset to whatever squad he ends up with, be it the senior side or their USL affiliate.

Twelve of the twenty seven first round selections this year were ACC players, showcasing the quality of the league year in and year out. As mentioned, Archimede’s selection also marks the seventh year in a row that Coach Ian McIntyre and the Orange have had a first round draft pick, leading back to the 2015 selections of Alex Bono and Skylar Thomas. Unfortunately for the record books, the Generation Adidas selection streak ended at six years running, as Archimede was considered a senior this season. This is the first time that a Syracuse player has been selected by the New York Red Bulls.