Austin FC lands F Jader Obrian with No. 1 pick in re-entry draft

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 17:46 2023

Nov 4, 2023; Frisco, Texas, USA; FC Dallas forward Jader Obrian (8) celebrates after scoring a goal during the second half of game two against Seattle Sounders in a round one match of the 2023 MLS Cup Playoffs at Toyota Stadium. credits: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports

Forward Jader Obrian will remain in the state of Texas after the former member of FC Dallas was selected by Austin FC on Thursday with the first overall pick in the MLS re-entry draft.

Obrian, 28, has 17 goals and 13 assists in 94 games over the past three seasons with FC Dallas. He scored in a playoff game for the club in November against the Seattle Sounders.

Before arriving in MLS, Obrian played for three different Primera A clubs in his native Colombia, scoring 24 goals in two seasons with Aguilas Doradas.

Austin FC acquired the top pick in the re-entry draft first by acquiring the No. 3 selection from FC Cincinnati in exchange for defender Kipp Keller. The club then traded that No. 3 selection, along with the No. 5 pick, to Toronto FC for the first pick.

The re-entry draft pool consists of players who are at least 22 years old, have a minimum of one year of service, and who aren't eligible for free agency.

—Field Level Media