Saad Abdul-Salaam

HOW ACQUIRED: Selected by Sporting Kansas City with the 12th overall pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. The University of Akron product signed a professional contract with Major League Soccer prior to the draft.

PRONUNCIATION: sahd ab-DOOL sa-LAHM

Right back Abdul-Salaam, who entered the 2017 season behind starting right back Graham Zusi on the depth chart, was named the 2016 Sporting Kansas City Defender of the Year after starting 26 of his 30 appearances and registering six assists, a league high for defenders. In his rookie season in 2015 he made 10 starts, and cracked the 1,000 minute barrier, despite not making his first start until mid-July.

Abdul-Salaam also holds the distinction of being the taker of one of the most notorious penalty kicks in league history, watching his effort hit both posts in the 2015 playoff shootout loss to eventual MLS Cup Champions Portland Timbers.

• SportingKC.com: Abdul-Salaam's Bio
• Abdul-Salaam hits double post in 2015 playoffs

COLLEGE: Abdul-Salaam played three seasons at Akron (2012-2014), recording three goals and 12 assists in 54 college games. He became a regular starter during his junior campaign in 2013, recording five assists in 19 starts. He earned All-MAC First Team honors in 2014 as a senior, notching two goals and a team-high six assists while starting all 21 games for the Zips.