Judge, Bush Drafted in 2021 MLS Superdraft

HARRISONBURG, Va. – For the first time in program history, two James Madison men's soccer players were drafted in the MLS Superdraft as Tom Judge and TJ Bush were both selected Thursday afternoon. Judge was selected 36^th overall by Nashville SC and Bush was selected 80^th overall by Seattle Sounders FC.

Judge and Bush become the fifth and sixth players to put on the purple and gold and be drafted, joining Kurt Morsink (2007), Nick Zimmerman (2009), CJ Sapong (2011), and Manuel Ferriol (2020). This is the first time the program has had a player selected in back-to-back years of the draft.

Tom Judge 2021 Draft

"We are very proud of Tom for all that lead up to being drafted to Nashville," said head coach Paul Zazenski. "Tom has been consistent, tough, and dynamic ever since stepping foot on campus and representing JMU men's soccer. He has worked for this moment and deserved whatever opportunities come from it. A huge congrats goes to Tom on behalf of all those associated with our program!"

Judge has been a key role in anchoring down a backline that has aided the program to back-to-back Colonial Athletic Association titles and NCAA Tournament appearances, including an appearance in the Elite Eight in 2018. The Dukes finished with eight shutouts throughout the course of last season, including a stretch of four straight.

TJ Bush 2021 Draft

"A huge congrats goes to TJ for getting drafted in the 2021 MLS Draft," Zazenski said. "TJ has proven year in and year out that he is one of the best goalkeepers at the college level. He consistently has stepped up for our program in the biggest of moments and we couldn't be prouder of him for everything he has, and will continue to achieve."

Bush has been a mainstay between the posts since arriving in Harrisonburg, aiding in the two CAA titles and NCAA Tournament appearances JMU has had in as many years. He currently sits third overall in career shutouts with 23, and fourth overall in career goals-against average with a 0.84 average.

Judge and Bush will both retain eligibility for the 2020-21 season if they opt to stay at JMU.

The Dukes kick off their season on Friday, February 19 as they travel to take on the defending NCAA Champion, Georgetown.