Castanheira Gathers Invite To MLS Combine

NEW YORK – Columbia senior Dylan Castanheira made the initial list of players selected to the annual MLS Combine, which takes place in Orlando beginning on Jan. 3. After a week of playing in Orlando at the combine, which wraps up on Jan. 9, focus will be shifted to the MLS SuperDraft at Chicago's McCormick Place on Jan. 11. A full list of the MLS Combine invitees can be found here. "This is another opportunity that Dylan has earned and worked for since his arrival at Columbia," said Columbia Head Coach Kevin Anderson. "During the recruiting process, we talked about daily habits and have used the slogan that is posted at the EXOS facility – Every Day is Game Day. Dylan is not a guy who talks about doing things, his actions tell you the story." Castanheira wrapped up his Columbia career as one of the most decorated goalkeepers in program and Ivy League history. This year alone, the Landing, New Jersey, native earned a bevy of awards. Castanheira was named the Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year, as well as a first team All-Ivy selection. This week, he was a second team Scholar All-American pick, as the lone goalkeeper to earn the award. A second team All-Northeast Region honoree, Castanheira also was a Scholar All-Region award-winner. His name can be found throughout the Ivy League and Columbia record books, as Castanheira broke the conference record for career goals against average at 0.513, while he owns the Columbia career record for career shutouts with 25. His senior year featured five shutouts, all of which were Columbia victories, and a 10-5-1 record in net, bringing his career tally to 33-10-4. A three-time All-Ivy League selection, Castanheira led the NCAA in goals against average (.290) and save percentage (.903) during his sophomore season, while finishing third with a .425 goals against average during his junior campaign. "To this day, in the rain, sleet, snow and shine you will find him walking in to the complex and just getting it done," Anderson continued. "He leads by example and make no qualms about it. His quiet demeanor is deafening because his quality as a person and a player is elite. He, as members of graduating classes before him have now done, has created the pathway and the standard for all to follow and work towards. Our goals are straight forward – champions in the class room and on the field. His journey is just beginning and we are confident that the foundation is in place to support him as he is on the rise."