PHILADELPHIA (Thursday, Jan. 16, 2014) – Chivas USA selected Clemson University midfielder Thomas McNamara with the No. 20 pick in Thursday’s 2014 Major League Soccer SuperDraft held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in the City of Brotherly Love.

“I’m really happy that Chivas took me and about the next step in my life,” said McNamara. “I want to thank Chivas USA for picking me. It’s exciting and I can’t wait to get out there and start playing. I’m going to work as hard as I can for the team and the fans.”

The Red-and-White used their first pick in the SuperDraft on the five-foot-nine New York native, who led the Tigers in scoring in 2013 with seven tallies. The attacking midfielder also notched eight assists, earning the graduate student First-Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. In December 2013, McNamara was also named to the NSCAA All-South Region team.

“I’m very creative, crafty and intelligent, I think those are my biggest strengths,” McNamara said when asked to describe his playing style. “I’m able to read the game very well, and I also have a good technique, so hopefully I can show that throughout the season.”

McNamara was also named to the ACC All-Tournament team while leading the Tigers to an 11-7-3 record and into the First Round of the NCAA Tournament. The 22-year-old earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Brown, and is currently midway into completing his Master’s Degree in Finance and Statistics.

Thursday’s pick marks the club’s first under newly-appointed Head Coach Wilmer Cabrera at the helm of the Rojiblancos. The final two rounds, where Chivas hold the 40th and 59th picks, will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 21 via conference call.

For images and video of McNamara’s selection, visit here:

Chivas USA kick off the 2014 regular season when they host Eastern Conference side the Chicago Fire at The StubHub Center on Sunday, March 9, starting at 12 p.m. PT. Ticket packs are available for as little as $10 per game by calling 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or by visiting cdchivasusa.com.

For more club news, follow on Twitter @cdchivasusa and Facebook.com/chivasusa.