CARSON, Calif. – Given their bond since grade school in the Washington suburbs, Jacori Hayes and Chris Odoi-Atsem would find it fitting to hear their names called in close proximity by MLS Commissioner Don Garber during the first round of Friday’s draft.
They grew up 10 minutes apart, Hayes in Bowie and Odoi-Atsem in Mitchellville. They were classmates for six years at Holy Trinity Episcopal Day School, then four at DeMatha Catholic High School. They played club soccer together for a spell.
After going separate ways in college – Hayes to Wake Forest, Odoi-Atsem to Maryland – they trained in tandem back home in preparation for the scouting combine at StubHub Center this week.