SAN JOSE, Calif. – The San Jose Earthquakes announced today that they have signed second-round MLS SuperDraft pick Anthony Ampaipitakwong. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Ampaipitakwong was a two-time Hermann Trophy semifinalist as a junior and senior at the University of Akron. In college, the midfielder recorded 17 goals and 30 assists over four seasons. He also featured twice on the Soccer American Team MVP First Team, and finished his University of Akron career as the all-time leader in games played (93).
One of three captains during the 2010 season, Ampaipitakwong led the Zips to the NCAA Championship. He was named to the TopDrawerSoccer.com Team of the Season First Team, College Soccer News All-America Second Team, and College Cup All-Tournament Team. He started all 24 games, and his 11 assists on the season ranked No. 25 in the country.
In his junior season, Ampaipitakwong gained national honors in the NSCAA All-America First Team, College Soccer News All-America First Team, and First Team All-Mid American Conference. He was named the College Soccer News National Player of the week (Nov. 23) and twice named to the Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week. He scored eight goals on the season, which included four game-winning goals. The crafty playmaker also notched a brace on three separate occasions.
Prior to his time at Akron, Ampaipitakwong was in residency with the U-17 National Team in Bradenton, Florida, and finished his high school career at the IMG Academy. He played for the Dallas Texans club team, and won a national championship in 2005.
Transaction: San Jose Earthquakes (MLS) – Earthquakes sign M Anthony Ampaipitakwong.
Anthony Ampaipitakwong
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Weight: 150
Hometown: Carrollton, Texas
College: University of Akron
