Penn State men’s soccer defender Brandon Hackenberg made the move to the professional ranks Thursday when he was drafted by Orlando City SC No. 22 overall in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.

With the #22 pick in the first round, City selects Brandon Hackenberg. #SuperDraft | #VamosOrlando

— Orlando City SC (@OrlandoCitySC) January 21, 2021

Hackenberg was a staple of the Nittany Lions’ backline in the past two seasons, earning All-Big Ten honors in 2019. In total, the defender racked up 45 collegiate appearances throughout four years, although he only played one match before redshirting his freshman year. He was an integral part of the 2019 squad that made a return to the NCAA Tournament.

Although the pros are calling his name, Hackenberg still plans on playing for Penn State this spring, according to the team.

With the 22nd overall pick, @OrlandoCitySC selects…

@bhackenberg3

Hackenberg plans to still play for Penn State this spring.#WeAre pic.twitter.com/U27aJB7gmk

— Penn State Men’s Soccer (@PennStateMSOC) January 21, 2021

Eventually, the redshirt senior will join a team that enjoyed a mediocre rise in the 2020 season. After five seasons near the basement of the league, Orlando qualified for the playoffs for the first time in its short history.

Hackenberg will enter a competitive group of defenders in Florida and most likely join Orlando City B for a season.

Hackenberg is the second Penn State player in two years to get selected in the first round after Aaron Molloy was selected No. 16 overall of the 2020 draft. Molloy and Hackenberg represent an increasing level of talent at Penn State under Jeff Cook, as no Nittany Lion had been selected since 2017.

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