HIGH POINT, N.C. — High Point University men's soccer standout
Daniel Lugo was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC with the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2026 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, December 18.
"This is such a special moment for me," Lugo said. "I want to give all credit to God, my teammates, coaches, and family for all they do for me. I'm so happy I can represent High Point and get drafted along side two of my teammates."
Lugo is the Panthers' second-ever first round pick, joining Holden Trent (28th; 2022) and third overall since 2020. He was joined by teammates
Jefferson Amaya (2nd, 42nd) and
Koven Johnson (3rd, 70th) in later rounds to make history as High Point became the first Big South Conference school to have three players drafted in the same year.
In one season at High Point, Lugo made his presence known. Transferring to High Point from North Carolina, the redshirt sophomore striker made an immediate impact, starting in 19 of 20 games while scoring 14 goals — with a single-season program best seven game-winning scores — and assisting on five for a team and conference-leading 33 points in 1,191 minutes played.
The program's fourth all-time United Soccer Coaches All-American scored in 12 matches, two of those with a brace, en route to the Panthers' best season in program history that featured a 14-2-4 record, two Big South Conference trophies and first-ever Sweet Sixteen appearance.
The Floridan racked up the accolades in one season as the Big South Offensive Player of the Year, Big South Newcomer of the Year, Big South Tournament MVP, Big South First Team member, MAC Hermann Trophy Midseason Watch List, and TDS Player of the Year Finalist after being named a TDS Midseason Top 100 Player at No. 31.
Lugo now heads north to Vancouver as the Whitecaps FC begin the 2026 season on Feb. 21 against Amaya's new club, Real Salt Lake.
#GoHPU
All-time High Point MLS Super Draft Picks
2020-21 — Keegan Meyer, N.E. Revolution (2nd, 43rd)
2022-23 — Holden Trent, Philadelphia Union (1st, 28th)
2025-26 —
Daniel Lugo, Vancouver Whitecaps FC (1st, 29th)
2025-26 —
Jefferson Amaya, Real Salt Lake (2nd, 42nd)
2025-26 —
Koven Johnson, Colorado Rapids (3rd, 70th)
