Sean Franklin, the Matadors’ senior defenseman, was selected by the Los Angeles Galaxy in the first round of the Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Friday. As the draft’s fourth overall pick, Franklin is the earliest selection ever from CSUN.

Head coach Terry Davila said Franklin fits the Galaxy’s needs and he could make a contribution to the team next year.

“A player’s success is not just about talent, but also about how they train and if they are willing to get better,” Davila said. “Sean has the potential to be an all-star.”

Franklin has been named to the All-Big West Conference first team three times and to the second team as a freshman. He missed the majority of his senior season due to a broken wrist suffered while playing for the United Soccer League’s San Fernando Valley Quakes. Franklin was named to the 2007 Premier Development League All-Conference Team for the Western Conference. This month he attended training camp Jan. 6 – 20 in Bradenton, Fla. with the U.S. U-23 National Team.

“Sean continues to represent the University on and off the field at the highest possible level,” Davila said. “We’re very proud of him and all that he has accomplished and all that he will go on to do.”