WASHINGTON, Pa. – Jayden Da, the 2020-21 Presidents' Athletic Conference Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, was recently selected with the No. 29 pick by the Columbus Crew in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Superdraft, which was held in mid-December.
Da helped W&J earn the 2020 PAC Championship during the spring season in 2021. He led the PAC in points (17) and assists (5) in his lone campaign with the Presidents. His six goals tied for second most in the conference and three of his tallies were game-winners. Da recorded a point in eight of the Presidents' 11 games, including six-straight games during the 2021 spring season.
After that initial season at W&J, Da moved on to Division I Duquesne University. This past fall, Da, a native of Rockville, Md., played in 16 games for the Dukes. He finished second on the team in shots (35), shots on goal (19), goals (7) and points (17) and was named to both the 2023 All-Atlantic 10 Second Team as well as the 2023 United Soccer Coaches All-Southeast Region Third Team. In three seasons at Duquesne, Da appeared in 46 games.
W&J Head Men's Soccer Coach Ian McDonald on Jayden Da
"Upon being informed of Jayden's recent drafting by the Columbus Crew of the MLS, we as former coaches and teammates of his at W&J, were all extremely excited for him and the opportunity that lies before him. While initially being saddened by his departure from our program, following an extremely successful freshman year for him and our program, I know he was just one of many young men, I have crossed paths with during my career, that have had a love and passion for the game and that were seeking to find a path and opportunity, to follow a dream of becoming a professional soccer player one day. I could not be happier for Jayden and his family. On behalf of your extended soccer family and friends here at W&J, we want to wish Jayden all the best!!!"
