With the ninth pick the MLS SuperDraft, Columbus Crew SC selected University of New Mexico forward Niko Hansen.
Hansen is a 5-foot-10, 170-pound forward who can also play on the wing. He’s good on the ball and has drawn comparisons to new teammate Justin Meram.
“With Niko, he’s shown in this combine and throughout his college career that he can make plays and be a very dangerous attacker,” Crew SC head coach Gregg Berhalter said.
In four years with New Mexico, Hansen played in 79 games, starting 65. He scored 28 goals and registered 14 assists during his college career.