Cole Seiler

PROFILE
A smart and steady centre back with strong passing skills, Cole Seiler was selected by Whitecaps FC with the 16th overall pick from Georgetown University in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound defender started 86 of his 87 appearances with the Hoyas, who recorded 43 clean sheets during that span, and was a three-time All-Academic Big East Conference selection. On November 27, 2017, Whitecaps FC announced that the club will not exercise the option on his contract.

MAJOR LEAGUE SOCCER
2016: Seiler made two regular season appearances in his rookie season, starting at right back in each. He made his MLS debut on July 23 against Houston Dynamo, contributing to a clean sheet in the 0-0 draw, the 'Caps first-ever point in the state of Texas. 

CANADIAN CHAMPIONSHIP
2017: Seiler started both legs of the CC semifinal series versus Montreal Impact. 2016: Seiler made one appearance in the CC, starting in his first team debut against Ottawa Fury FC in the first leg of the semifinal. 

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE
2016-17: Seiler made one appearance in the Champions League, starting at Sporting Kansas City on September 13 to help the 'Caps clinch their first-ever quarterfinal berth.

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUE
2017: Seiler led WFC2 with 25 starts and 2,230 minutes played while recording his first professional assist. 2016: Seiler made 14 regular season appearances with Whitecaps FC 2, making his professional debut in a 3-1 win over Timbers 2 on April 2. He started in each regular season appearance, 11 matches at centre back, and thrice at right back. He also started each of the 'Caps three playoff matches, lining up at centre back in each outing.

PRESEASON AND FRIENDLIES
2016: Seiler made one start in his four preseason appearances for Whitecaps FC. He also made the start in the international friendly against Crystal Palace FC, four days before making his MLS debut.

COLLEGE
2015: Seiler was named to the All-Big East Conference Second Team after captaining the Hoyas (16W-2L-3D) to the Big East regular season championship and the program’s first-ever Big East Tournament championship while starting all 21 matches and recording two goals and one assist. 2014: Seiler appeared in all 21 matches for Georgetown as a junior, starting in all but one game, and playing an important role on a defense that posted 10 shutouts ranking second in clean sheets in Hoya history. 2013: Seiler scored two goals while starting all 21 matches for the Hoyas while helping the Hoyas to leading the nation in shutout percentage (0.67). 2012: Seiler started in all 24 games he played in for the Blue and Gray and was a member of a defence that tallied 10 shutouts on the season. 

UNITED SOCCER LEAGUES PREMIER DEVELOPMENT LEAGUE
2014: Seiler played the full 90 minutes in his eight appearances for the Baltimore Bohemians. 2013: Seiler featured for Orlando City U-23, appearing in 11 matches. 

INTERNATIONAL
U-17: Seiler earned seven caps with the United States U-17 national team as part of their Residency program. 

YOUTH/AMATEUR
Prior to his collegiate career, Seiler was a four-year letter winner and two-time captain at Christ Church Episcopal High School, where he won four state championships. He ranked as high as No. 31 in the ESPN High School 150. The Anderson, South Carolina native also won five state championships with Carolina Elite Soccer Academy. 

PERSONAL
Seiler was born and raised in Anderson, South Carolina. 

INTERESTING FACTS
A member of the honor roll and a three-time All-Academic Big East Conference selection, Seiler was also the founder of the Food Club at his high school. He was the third Georgetown defender selected in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, with Josh Yaro and Keegan Rosenberry going second and third overall to Philadelphia Union. Before taking to the pitch, Seiler and his Hoyas teammates would listen to AC/DC’s Thunderstruck in the locker room to get them ready to play. He also owns 10 chickens.