After an outstanding season for Notre Dame University, Kevin Richards has got his reward - a deal with the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.

The Bermudian defender was snapped up by the Denver-based outfit in the MLS Superdraft on Friday and, after Reading striker Shaun Goater, is now the second-highest profile player from the Island.

Island striker John Barry Nusum was picked by the Columbus Crew two years ago, but he was released without playing a game and went on to sign for the Atlanta Silverbacks of the lower tier A-League. He is currently out of contract and, though he has been offered a new deal, has yet to agree to it.

It was a history making moment for Richards as he became the first-ever Notre Dame player selected in the draft.

He was picked in the fourth round of the draw, made in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was the 35th player overall to be selected.

Richards, son of Bob and Pauline of Warwick, was part of the Notre Dame side that reached the third round of the prestigious NCAA Championship before losing to Michigan on penalty kicks.

It was a year that saw the team achieve a top five national ranking and win the BIG EAST Championship.

Richards, who saw team-mate Justin Detter picked by the Kansas City Wizards, was a third team all-BIG EAST selection last year after starting all 23 games and playing almost every minute. His finest hour came in the Championship final against St. John's when he scored the game-winning goal.

Notre Dame coach, Bobby Clark, a former star with Aberdeen in Scotland, is a big fan of Richards and last year told The Royal Gazette that he believed the player was heading for bigger and better things.

“Everyone at Notre Dame is thrilled that Kevin and Justin were drafted and we wish them the best of luck,” he said after the draw. “We hope they have a long and successful career in professional soccer.”

The youngest player in modern professional team sports, 14-year-old Freddy Adu, was the number one selection in the SuperDraft. He went to DC United.

In MLS - an organised single-entity operation - all players are signed to the league and not individual teams.

David Bascome led the scoring as the Baltimore Blast defeated the Monterrey Fury 8-5 over the weekend and, in so doing, extended their winning streak to six games in the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Bermudian star Bascome notched his two goals in the second quarter to put the Blast ahead 4-3 at half-time.