Jamaica, N.Y.  Senior defender Omar Chavez (New Rochelle, N.Y./New Rochelle/Felician) was selected in the second round of the National Professional Soccer League draft by the Harrisburg Heat. The draft, which was held January 10 via conference call, consisted of a territorial pick for each team plus four rounds.

Chavez led a St. Johns defense that recorded 10 shutouts and allowed only 14 goals, including just four in the BIG EAST, during the 2000 season. Chavez, the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week three times last season, started all 21 games for the Red Storm and helped guide the team to a 14-5-2 overall record, including an NCAA Tournament first-round win. During his collegiate career, Chavez registered two goals, three assists for seven points.

Based on last seasons regular season standings, the Heat were given the second pick in each round. As the territorial pick, Harrisburg chose Penn State midfielder Pete Shellenberger. The Heat also selected Matt Gormley of University of Maryland at Baltimore County, Ben Garry of the University of Pittsburgh and Brent Rahim of Connecticut.