KhiryShelton

Khiry Shelton (left)

(Oregon State Athletics/Scobel Wiggins)

Over the last few weeks, Khiry Shelton has seen the mock drafts online and heard analysts call him one of the top prospects in this year's MLS SuperDraft. He has already signed a contract with Major League Soccer and flew to Philadelphia Tuesday afternoon, so he can be present at the Pennsylvania Convention Center when his name is called during Thursday's draft.

And yet, even as Shelton is preparing to begin his professional soccer career, he still is not taking anything for granted. Over the last four years, the Oregon State University forward has learned to treasure every moment he has on the field.

Khiry Shelton

Shelton's soccer career was first put in jeopardy during his freshman year at Oregon State after he sustained a stress fracture in his foot. He underwent surgery and doctors told him he might never play again. It took Shelton an agonizing seven months to get back onto the field.

Injuries marred his next two seasons as well. The former U.S. U-18 National Team player was sidelined for three months after sustaining a high ankle sprain during his sophomore year and had to sit out another four months after sustaining two stress fractures in his back during his junior year.

"Before the injuries, I thought I was immortal, that I could do anything," Shelton said. "The injuries that I've had have opened my eyes and showed me that anyone can get hurt. It's humbled me and taught me to value every minute that I get to play."

Shelton finally entered the 2014 season healthy and he quickly gained national attention for his performance.

The senior forward was named PAC-12 Player of the Year and a finalist for the MAC Hermann trophy after scoring 10 goals and finishing second in the country with 12 assists in 2014.

With his performance, Shelton helped lead the Beavers to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2003. Shelton then provided the game-winning assist as Oregon State beat the University of Denver in the first round of the NCAA Tournament to secure the school's first-ever NCAA Tournament win.

Oregon State fell 1-0 to Creighton in the second round of the NCAA men's soccer tournament, but the loss didn't take away from the storybook run for the Beavers.

Will Seymore

"Khiry and I talk about it all the time," said Will Seymore, who started 20 games at center back for Oregon State in 2014, recording two goals and four assists. "This year was the culmination of all the hard work we've put in since freshmen year."

After the historic season came to an end, Shelton and Seymore were left to wait and wonder whether they would be invited to the 2015 MLS Player Combine, a four-day, invite-only showcase for NCAA Division I college seniors that takes place days before the MLS SuperDraft.

After weeks of waiting and constantly checking his email, Seymore said he was on his way to class in Corvallis when he found out that he and Shelton had been invited to the combine.

"It's been a great opportunity for both me and Khiry to be out here and showcase our skills to all these coaches," Seymore said. "It's a dream come true to have this opportunity and, hopefully, make a career out of soccer."

While most analysts have predicted that Seymore won't be drafted until the third or fourth round of the draft, Shelton is considered to be one of the top prospects in the draft. Shelton has continued to raise his stock with his performance at the combine and even scored a goal in the second day of the showcase.

Both Seymore and Shelton competed for the Portland Timbers U-23 squad during their time at Oregon State and if Shelton is available by the time Portland takes the No. 5 pick in the draft, the strong 6'3" forward could be a highly desirable option for the Timbers.

Shelton will be happy no matter what team calls his name Thursday. After all the setbacks he has overcome, Shelton is simply feeling blessed to be on the cusp of pursuing his dream of playing professional soccer.

"I've put in a lot of hard work to get here," Shelton said. "Now that the moment is here and I'm getting the opportunity to be at the combine with all these fantastic players and getting the opportunity to go to the draft, it's a blessing. I'm putting everything in God's hands and letting it take its course."

-- Jamie Goldberg | jgoldberg@oregonian.com

503-853-3761 | @jamiebgoldberg