Last Thursday was an eventful day in the college soccer world, as it marked the 22nd edition of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft. Some of the NCAA’s best and brightest punched their tickets to the pros, ranging from number one overall pick Daniel Pereira out of Virginia Tech to Leroy Enzugusi from Drake University finishing the draft at number 86. While many of those drafted may sound familiar to some Omaha and Creighton men’s soccer fans from watching previous opponents, none ring a louder bell than the Magic Man himself, Diego Gutierrez.
The Ralston native was picked up in the third round of selection by the Portland Timbers, one of two draftees to the City of Roses following their second-round selection of Dawson McCartney of Dartmouth University. Gutierrez followed suit at the number 70 spot, becoming the 46th Creighton player drafted since 1996 and likely the first Bluejay drafted without playing a single competitive minute in blue and white.
The forward transferred to Creighton from the University of Nebraska-Omaha at the end of the spring semester in 2020, becoming the first player in Dodge Street Derby history to cross the divide between Omaha’s two D1 men’s soccer teams. Gutierrez played 44 games for the Mavericks scoring ten goals and notching 13 assists for the Crimson and Black. He played 79 of a possible 180 minutes in the Dodge Street Derby, having to come off injured in 2019’s hotly contested 2-1 Creighton win.
The dynamic forward also becomes only the third former Maverick to be drafted, joining Xavier Gomez and Emir Alihodzic who were drafted in 2018 and 2016, respectively. And for many who have had the opportunity to watch him in action, Gutierrez going pro was only a matter of time.
Diego is already a champion of Omaha and Nebraska soccer, holding the state record for most career goals at the high school level, finding the back of the net 112 times for the Ralston Rams between 2014 and 2017. Adding in his 43 assists in Class B, his high school statistics and legend will likely stand the test of time for years to come. But statistics do not always tell the whole story, and as I have learned over the years of covering the sport, an important aspect of judging a player is the eye test.
Gutierrez’s style of play could be likened to that of Paris St. Germain and Brazil star, Neymar. A slender and fast paced attacking player who is best used out wide, his skill on the ball is what has wowed fans for years. Showing no fear in taking defenders one on one, his footwork and technical ability allows him to often get the better of his opponents in the attacking third. He has also displayed a keen eye for potential scoring opportunities, making him a dangerous defensive chore for many college backlines.
The news of his draft selection may come as a disappointment for Union Omaha supporters, as his name has been mentioned a few times as a potential signing. While he certainly does have potential to have a successful career in the top flight, it is well within the realm of possibility for him to still end up as a member of Los Buhos. Whether it come as a loan deal from the Timbers, or as a free agent signing if things don’t work out for him in the Pacific Northwest, it would warm the hearts of many in the Omaha soccer community to see Diego taking the field for his hometown club.
In the meantime, Omaha fans will still be able to see Gutierrez before departing for Portland, as he plans on finishing the spring season with the Bluejays. Creighton’s schedule was released earlier today as well, with the most notable fixture coming in the confirmation of another Dodge Street Derby matchup, taking place at Caniglia Field on February 27th.
Who Gives A Hoot? 