Forward Karo Okiomah of the High Point University men's soccer team was selected by the Houston Dynamo with the 12^th overall pick in the first round of the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft on Tuesday.

“We are all extremely excited that Karo was drafted today,” HPU head coach Dustin Fonder said. “It is a testament to the hard work he has put in over his past four years at HPU and we couldn't be more proud of him. This is the second-straight season that an HPU player has been drafted and we hope this gives all of our current and future players something to aspire to."

Okiomah is finished his HPU career second in the High Point Div. I career record books with 68 points on 29 goals and 10 assists. He is second in team history in goals scored and his 0.43 goals per game is an HPU Div. I record. As a junior, Okiomah was among the national leaders in goals per game at 0.75 after scoring 12 goals in 16 games. Okiomah was named a third-team All-American by the NSCAA and the Big South Player of the Year. He is a three-time NSCAA All-Region selection and a two-time All-Big South honoree.

“I am very excited to have a chance to play in MLS,” Okiomah said. “I am happy that I get to go home and play for one of the best teams in the league. I am honored that they picked me and I can't wait to get to work.”

Okiomah is the second-ever player drafted out of High Point University and the highest player drafted. Scott Rojo was HPU's first player drafted last season, when he was picked with the 44^th overall selection in the supplemental draft by Toronto FC. Okiomah was also the second of four Big South players drafted this season.

Okiomah will report to Houston to begin training camp on Jan. 22. During preseason, the Dynamo will train and play friendlies at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., from Feb. 7-14, as well as participate in the Disney Pro Soccer Classic in Orlando, Fla., from Feb. 24- March 3. Houston will also play three scrimmages against San Jacinto Junior College, Houston Baptist University and Southern Methodist University. All home matches and Houston-based training sessions will take place at the Houston Amateur Sports Park.