Elon University men’s soccer graduate student goalkeeper Ryan Bilichuk has been drafted by the Portland Timbers in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft 2023 on Dec. 21. Bilichuk was selected in the second round as the No. 44 overall pick.
In his first season with the Phoenix, Bilichuk started all 19 games in goal and led the team to 11 shutouts on the season, setting a single-season school record. He had 40 total saves and was named to the All-Colonial Athletic Association second team for the 2022 season.
His defensive efforts led the Phoenix to the CAA regular season title, in which it won outright for the first time in program history. The Phoenix were also able to secure an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament, where it lost to Marshall University 1-0.
Bilichuk was also named a 2022 Academic All-American by the College Sports Communicators and named to the United Soccer Coaches Association All-Atlantic Region first team.
Bilichuk’s selection to the Timbers tops off his season with the Phoenix. The MLS 2023 season will begin on Feb. 25, 2023.