Chivas USA takes Wake Forest’s Michael Lahoud in MLS draft

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Chivas USA Coach Preki today made Wake Forest midfielder Michael Lahoud the team’s top pick in the Major League Soccer draft and the ninth player selected overall.

Lahoud, 22, played four seasons at Wake Forest as a creative midfielder and forward, appearing in 95 games, scoring 14 goals and assisting on 20 others.

Prior to the draft, there was speculation that Preki would try to land Cal goalkeeper Stefan Frei, but he opted instead to strengthen his midfield with a player who could help immediately after the departure of Francisco ‘Panchito’ Mendoza, the long-term injury to Sasha Victorine and the possible loss of Sacha Kljestan should a European club come calling.

Frei was selected by Toronto FC as the 13th player chosen and the only goalkeeper picked in the first round, which also saw seven midfielders chosen, along with four forwards and three defenders.

Chivas USA also has the fourth pick in the second round of the draft, the 19th pick overall.

Look for complete draft coverage later today on latimes.com/sports.

-- Grahame L. Jones