Galaxy’s first pick in MLS SuperDraft is defender Kyle Venter

The Galaxy chose defender Kyle Venter of the University of New Mexico on Thursday as the team’s first selection in this year’s Major League Soccer SuperDraft.

Venter, 22, was the 23rd pick overall in the second round of the 76-player SuperDraft held in Philadelphia. The Galaxy has one more pick in the fourth round (72nd overall) that will be held Tuesday.

The 6-foot-3 Venter, a native of Aurora, Colo., was a four-year starter at the University of New Mexico, and in his senior season his Lobos team reached the Final Four of the 2013 NCAA College Cup.

Venter said he felt “nothing but excitement to get out to L.A.”

“It’s an awesome organization,” he told reporters on a conference call. “I’m going to come in and work hard. I can’t wait to get started.”

Chivas USA, the MLS team that shares StubHub Center in Carson as its home venue with the Galaxy, chose midfielder Thomas McNamara as its first selection (20th overall).

McNamara, 22, a native of West Nyack, N.Y., spent four years at Brown University and then moved to Clemson University to use his fifth year of eligibility as a graduate student, according to the MLS website.

Chivas USA also has the 40th and 59th overall picks in the third and fourth rounds of the SuperDraft to be held Tuesday.

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