Savage drafted by MLS' Chivas USA
2003 GBHS grad first pick of the fourth round
BY JASON THOMPSON Gulf Breeze News jason@gulfbreezenews.com
Keith Savage (GBHS c/o 2003) didn't think he was getting a phone call Friday, but he did - and not from his parents, his sister or his girlfriend.

He got one from Chivas USA coach Preki Radosavljevic, who told him his team drafted Savage in the fourth round of the Major League Soccer's SuperDraft Friday in Baltimore.

"No coach really talked at me at the combine, so I was surprised," said Savage, who graduated from UWF in December after finishing his career tied for first on the school's all-time list in assists. He was also third in goals with 47.

Preki is familiar with the Savage name - he and Keith's father Bruce played on the U.S. national team in the 80s. "He said 'I hope you'll be in shape by February.'"

Savage and 27 others will be gunning for one of 18 spots on the team's roster. The other 10 will be placed on the team's developmental team.

Savage was the first pick of the fourth round and the 43rd overall. He was Chivas' first pick. Chivas USA is based in Los Angeles and is one of 13 teams that will compete in the 2008 MLS season.

Savage was the second Division II player to go in the draft. "I am thrilled for Keith, he has worked extremely hard every single day, and is very deserving," UWF coach Bill Elliott said. "That speaks volume for the respect Keith has earned, and Keith will represent West Florida very well."

Savage

Savage was a three time All-GSC Award winner, and was the freshman of the year in 2003. The Midfielder/Forward earned NSCAA/adidas All-America honors in 2006, and was awarded the NCAA Division II South Region Most Outstanding Player in 2006.

The Club Deportivo Chivas USA team finished the 2007 regular season with the top record (15-7-8) in the MLS Western Conference.

Savage reports to Southern California on February 4.

The UWF Sports Information Office also contributed to this report.