Nyamekye was the Crew’s first of three picks in the fourth round—but had already selected two highly coveted players in the first round. Midfielder Dilly Duka (Rutgers University) and forward Bright Dike (Notre Dame) were selected with the 8th and 12th overall picks respectively; both will most certainly be on the Columbus’ opening day roster and will occupy two of the four developmental player slots afforded to the Crew.

To make the roster, Nyamekye will have to beat out University of Penn alum Alex Grendi, the two other rookies selected in the fourth round, and midfielders Kevin Burns and Cory Elenio.

If Nyamekye does manage to secure a spot on the roster (and doesn’t jet off for Scotland permanently, where he received a trial with Rangers FC), he faces another arduous battle to receive playing time at the center-back position. Columbus possesses one of the stingiest backlines in the league (They finished tied for third last season in goals allowed) anchored by two-time MLS Defender of the Year Chad Marshall and five-year veteran Danny O’Rourke. Behind them lie Andy Iro (sixth overall pick in 2008) and Eric Brunner (started in 23 games last season).

Kwaku’s versatility, however, could provide the Swiss native with a distinctive advantage. Nyamekye can play across the backline in multiple positions and the Crew may want to save a roster spot in case of an injury crisis.

Regardless of the tandem’s professional prospects, both Akpan and Nyamekye represent the success of Harvard’s men’s soccer program over the past few years. After only having three Crimson alumni selected to the MLS ranks during the league’s first 13 years, Harvard has now had three players selected in the last two years with the potential for more in the future given the abundance of young talent remaining on the roster.

For both Akpan and Nyamekye, I’m guessing the disappointment in waiting to hear their names called pales in comparison to the jubilation of beginning a professional career in the sport they love.

—Staff writer Mauricio A. Cruz can be reached at cruz2@fas.harvard.edu.