Nimick, Morse, and Sharp Selected in MLS SuperDraft 2023

ST. LOUIS – Western Michigan’s men’s soccer program had a historic night on Wednesday, with three players selected for the 2023 Major League Soccer SuperDraft. This is the second time in program history that the Broncos have selected multiple players in the draft.

Senior Center Back Daniel Nimick (Harrogate, England) was drafted in the second round by Vancouver Whitecaps FC as the 42nd pick overall.

Graduate goalkeeper Hunter Morse (Belleville, Michigan) was selected by FC Cincinnati in the second round with the 51st pick overall.

senior forward Charlie Sharp (Brighton, Michigan) was drafted by Toronto FC in the third round with the 61st overall pick.

“This is a landmark day for our program and we couldn’t be prouder of Nimick, Morse and Sharp,” said the WMU head coach Chad Wiseman. “All three are great players, but above all better people. We’re excited to support these players in their next endeavors and can’t thank them enough for the mark they left on our program. Her hard work, leadership and dedication to the program will be stepping stones for future Broncos in the years to come. This is a tremendous achievement for our program and we are grateful for the combined effort and success of our team in creating such opportunities. We wish them well as they represent western Michigan on the professional stage and step into their new roles to pursue their professional dreams.”

The Broncos have now selected five players in the MLS SuperDraft. Brandon Bye was drafted by New England Revolution in the 2018 first round as the 8th overall pick, Drew Shepard was drafted by Toronto FC in the 2018 second round as the 46th overall pick and Eric Pogue was drafted by New England Revolution in the 2018 second round as the 53rd overall pick in 2001.

Daniel Nimick
Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Round 2 | dial 42

A native of Harrogate, England, Nimick started all 21 games for the Broncos this season and scored eight goals, the third-most in the Mid-American Conference. Five of his goals were game-winning records, leading the conference and placing sixth in the NCAA. The senior also added an assist for a total of 17 points, which ranked eighth in the MAC.

Nimick was named to College Soccer News’ Men’s National Team of the Week and MAC Player of the Week during the season. He earned his third All-MAC honor and his second first-team All-MAC selection. The senior also became the second player in Western Michigan’s program history to be named MAC Player of the Year. Nimick added a First Team All-Region selection to his season’s honors, as well as a Second Team United Soccer Coaches All-American selection and a First Team USC Scholar All-American selection.

He finishes his bronco career with 65 match appearances and 51 starts. He has 12 goals and seven assists for a total of 31 points. His seven game-winning goals rank him third in WMU program history.

With the 42nd overall victory in the MLS 2023 #SuperDraftSelect Vancouver Whitecaps FC @dan_nimick from @WMUMensSoccer.

Congratulations Dan Nimick, the community of western Michigan looks forward to seeing you at the next level!???? pic.twitter.com/TWTfnzgLlp

— WMU Men’s Soccer (@WMUmensSoccer) December 22, 2022

Hunter Morse
FC Cincinnati
Round 2 | dial 51

The Belleville, Michigan native has scored in all 21 games with Western Michigan. Morse has an amazing resume, having conceded just 10 goals in 21 games, making him the MAC leader in all goalkeeping categories, including a .472 goals-against average. He has made 76 saves and 11 total shutouts this season, earning him first place in the MAC and third place in the NCAA for shutouts. His .884 save percentage also leads the NCAA.

Named to the USC All-Region Team as First Team Selection and MAC Goalkeeper of the Year, Morse finished his Broncos career with 21 appearances for a total of 1,907 minutes. His 11-game shutouts led Western Michigan to a 16-3-2 season and third-place finish in WMU program history. He ranks second in program history for goals against average with a .471.

With the 51st overall victory in the MLS 2023 #SuperDraftSelect FC Cincinnati @MorseHunter from @WMUMensSoccer.

Congratulations Hunter Morsethe Western Michigan community looks forward to supporting your journey!?????? pic.twitter.com/Hgyul3uC5B

— WMU Men’s Soccer (@WMUmensSoccer) December 22, 2022

Charlie Sharp
Toronto F.C
Round 3 | dial 61

A native of Brighton, Mich., he started all 21 games this season and recorded 11 goals, eight assists for 30 points, 33 shots on goal and 74 total shots, giving him the MAC lead in every category. He was named MAC Player of the Week and MAC Male Scholar Athlete of the Week three times, and was runner-up in the MAC with eight assists. Nationally, he ranked 12th in goals, 38th in goals per game (.52), ninth in shots per game (3.52), 16th in shots per game (1.57) , tied for seventh place and 21st in points per game (1.43).

Sharp’s honors this season included All-MAC First Team, MAC Tournament MVP, an All-Region First Team selection, a Second Team College Sports Communicators Academic All-American, and a First Team USC Scholar All-American.

He finishes his bronco career with 69 match appearances and 50 starts. He has 23 goals and 14 assists for a total of 60 points. He registers 160 shots in total, 75 of them on target. His eight game-winning goals put him second in WMU program history.

With the 61st overall victory in the MLS 2023 #SuperDraftSelect Toronto FC @c_sharp88 from @WMUMensSoccer.

Congratulations Charlie Sharp to this exciting opportunity! ???? pic.twitter.com/alxhDl5sx1

— WMU Men’s Soccer (@WMUmensSoccer) December 22, 2022

The three Broncos helped propel WMU to unprecedented success in 2022, winning their second and final Mid-American Conference Championship. The Broncos had their third NCAA appearance and second Sweet Sixteen appearance while setting a new program record for consecutive wins with nine and 143 points overall. Western Michigan ended its season as one of the best defenses in the nation. WMU ranked first nationally in goals against average (.471 per game), first in saving percentage (.886), second in goal difference (33), and fourth in win-loss ties -Percentage (0.810).