Dartmouth draft prospect Omsberg showered with Ivy League accolades

Dartmouth defender Wyatt Omsberg stepped up to the penalty spot on Sunday and buried a shot past New Hampshire goalkeeper Andrew Pesci. Omsberg’s side, playing in the second round of the NCAA tournament, ended regulation in a 0-0 draw with the Wildcats. Neither team found an extra-time game-winner. And in penalties, Omsberg did his job to keep 15th-ranked Dartmouth alive.

But UNH ultimately outlasted the Ivy League champs, with Omsberg serving as the only Dartmouth player to convert from the spot.

A run to the National Championship would have padded the senior defender’s resume—and helped the Big Green set numerous school records. Yet when Omsberg leaves Hanover, he’ll do so as one of the most accomplished players in program history.

And this week, he added to his list of accolades.

Omsberg earned 2017 Ivy League Defensive Player of the Year honors for his role in anchoring a stout Dartmouth defense (he won that award in 2016, too). The Maine native also picked up his third-straight First Team All-Ivy selection. Across those three seasons, Omsberg and the Big Green defense conceded just 37 goals in 55 matches.

Even without a deep tournament run, these accomplishments will serve Omsberg well during January’s MLS SuperDraft, when he will likely hear his name called in the first round. Omsberg’s 6-foot-4 frame and soccer IQ could make him an immediate contributor—especially if he lands with a team in need of center back depth, like the Revolution.

If Omsberg does remain in New England—the Revs currently own the 8th and 9th overall picks—he’ll have a chance to mature under the tutelage of Antonio Delamea while vying to become the third center back the Revs desperately need. Omsberg would likely compete with 2017 draft pick Josh Smith for spot starts.

But that’s all speculation. Come January, Omsberg will focus on bringing his Ivy League success to Major League Soccer—wherever that journey takes him.