The MLS SuperDraft is hard to peg, given Major League Soccer’s “different” set of contract and nationality guidelines.
So it’s extra fun to try and figure out which teams might be selecting which players.
[ MORE: Mix Diskerud, NYCFC make it official ]
Is Cyle Larin the no-doubt No. 1?
Will freak athletes like UNC’s Boyd Okwuono shoot up the board after impressive measurables at the combine?
Will Leo Stolz’s German citizenship drop him in the draft?
| TEAM | PICK | PLAYER | |
|---|---|---|---|
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1 | Cyle Larin, FW, Connecticut — The prolific Canadian scorer can reap instant rewards of playing with Kaka and Aurelien Collin. | |
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2 | Leo Stolz, MF, UCLA — The Hermann Trophy winner is an absolute freak who would rival Larin for the No. 1 slot if he were American born — he’s from Munich — and weren’t 23. Still Stolz should be an quick contributor, and even a star, as a rookie. | |
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3 | Ramon Martín del Campo, DF, UC Davis — Frank Klopas needs help in defense, and why not select a kid with a possible future in the USMNT set-up? | |
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4 | Cristian Roldan, MF, Washington — A Generation Adidas player, San Jose can’t believe its luck that Roldan fell this far. | |
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5 | Khiry Shelton, FW, Oregon State — Played with the Timbers PDL side, so perhaps we’re being too simple here, but makes a lot of sense for Caleb Porter. | |
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6 | Conor Donovan, DF, NC State — A player who can take his time learning the professional game under Greg Vanney, also under the watchful eye of Steven Caldwell. | |
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7 | Andy Thoma, LB, Washington — Chicago needs help in the back in a big way, and Thoma certainly provides that. | |
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8 | Boyd Okwuonu, DF, UNC— With incredible measurables, could thrive under the tutelage of Owen Coyle. | |
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9 | Fatai Alashe, MF/DF, Michigan State — His versatility is too much to pass up. | |
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10 | Nick Besler, MF, Notre Dame — And not just because “aaaaallllll the Beslers.” He’s won titles under Bobby Clark at ND, and could do the same soon at SKC. | |
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11 | Aaron Simmons, MF/DF, UCLA — Vanney goes to his alma mater for another player like Alashe, who will be able to plug and play for minutes at several positions. | |
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12 | Romario Williams, FW, UCF — Likely doesn’t fall this far, but in our draft he’s there for Peter Vermes on a GA deal at No. 12. | |
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13 | Dan Metzger, MF, Maryland — Someone to make it a little more palatable when Matias Laba misses time. | |
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14 | Andy Craven, FW, UNC — The man can score, and while most projections have Gregg Berhalter opting for a center back, the Brian McBride disciple goes to the tough striker’s former home | |
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15 | Tim Parker, DF, Saint John’s — Yes, Matt Hedges isn’t going anywhere, but there’s always a market for bruising center backs. | |
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16 | Alex Bono, GK, Syracuse — A different breed on keeper than Nick Rimando, but someone who can get a couple looks when the No. 1 has USMNT duty. | |
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17 | Otis Earle, LB, UC Riverside — Defensive depth, and a bit of offensive upside as a flanker. | |
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18 | Oumar Ballo, D, UMBC — He’s a tad older at 24, but it’s best player available here. This could be the play. | |
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Seth Casiple, MF, California — Gives the Rapids depth a couple of midfield slots, mostly as a holding mid with offensive upside.
Jordan Murrell, DF, Syracuse — Best player available.
Skylar Thomas, DF, Syracuse — The Orange’s big year continues to show first round results. |
