Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University senior defender Sean Nealis was selected in the second round of the Major League Soccer Super Draft by the New York Red Bulls, which was held today in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, Illinois. Nealis was the first pick of the second round, 25th overall. 
 
The 2018 Colonial Athletic Association Defensive Player of the Year and a First Team All-CAA selection, Nealis is the third Hofstra Men's Soccer student-athlete to be chosen in the MLS Draft, joining Gary Flood (2007) and Joseph Holland (2017). 
 
The Massapequa, New York, native anchored a back line that helped the Pride to 11 shutouts on the year, including a program-record eight-match shutout streak midway through the season. Nealis also contributed on the offensive end with two goals and three assists for seven points. 
 
Nealis was also a United Soccer Coaches All-Atlantic Region team selection and a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and a Scholar All-East Region pick in 2018 in addition to being an All-ECAC selection. 
 
During his four-years with the Pride, Nealis started 69 of 72 games and recorded four goals and three assists for 11 points.
 
Hofstra finished the season with a 10-6-5 record and advanced to the CAA title game.