Simon Becher, the Billikens’ leading scorer in 2021, was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps FC with the 16th overall pick in the first round of Tuesday’s 2022 Major League Soccer SuperDraft.
Becher is coming off a highly successful four-year collegiate career (three years at SLU, one at Holy Cross) that saw him accumulate 71 points (28G, 15A).
“Simon is a difference-maker who can create and score goals,” SLU head coach Kevin Kalish said. “He is an extremely intelligent and well-rounded forward who can hold the ball, create space for himself in the box, draw fouls, and combine with teammates. Simon is a great teammate who is willing to roll up his sleeves to work and defend consistently throughout a match. He has a strong personality and relishes the opportunity to make plays and wants the ball when the game is on the line.”
A first-team All-American and a Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Becher led the Billikens in scoring and ranked second in the NCAA with 38 points (14G, 10A) in 2021. He was the only player in the NCAA with 10+ goals and 10+ assists en route to being named the Atlantic 10 Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year. Becher helped the Billikens to a 16-1-4 record, an undefeated regular season, A-10 regular-season and tournament titles, and an NCAA quarterfinal appearance.
Becher was also honored for his work in the classroom. He was a United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American, was named to the A-10 All-Academic team and was a multiple-time honoree on the A-10 Commissioner’s Honor Roll. A finance major, Becher graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree from the Saint Louis University Chaifetz School of Business.
A native of Brooklyn, Conn., Becher transferred to SLU after beginning his collegiate career at Holy Cross, where as a freshman he was a third-team All-Patriot League selection. He has been called to U.S. National Team camps on three occasions. Becher was a member of the Oakwood Soccer Club as well.
