Joey Zalinsky, Nick Collins drafted by St. Louis City SC, Minnesota United FC in 2025 MLS SuperDraft
After an impressive career with the Rutgers men’s soccer team, Joey Zalinsky is headed to the MLS. The 5-foot-9 defender from Brick, New Jersey, was selected by St. Louis City SC in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft with the seventh pick in the second round and 37th overall. It's the highest a Scarlet Knight was drafted since Dilly Duka was chosen eighth overall in 2010.
"I'm excited for being selected by City SC and I cannot wait to start my professional career here," Zalinsky said on social media.
And after just two seasons with Rutgers, defender Nick Collins was drafted by Minnesota United FC with the 25th pick in the third round and 85th overall. Collins still has two seasons of eligibility, meaning he could stay on the Banks instead of signing with Minnesota if he chooses to.
It's the first time since 2016 that two Knights were drafted and the first pick since 2023 when New York City FC selected star striker MD Myers in 2023.
Zalinsky started 58 of the 59 games he played on the Banks, scored 2 goals and had two assists. He was named Big Ten Freshman of the Week once last season and earned All-Big Ten Freshman Team honors in his rookie season.
Collins played 28 games, all of them being starts and scored 1 goal last season. He was named to the All-Big Ten Freshman Team in 2023.
Zalinsky and Collins will likely first play for MLS NEXT sides St. Louis City 2 and Minnesota United FC 2 before getting minutes for the first team.
For more updates on the Rutgers men's soccer team, follow @TargumSports on X.
To view more of Matthew Mangam's work, follow @MatthewMangam on X.