1. How important is the MLS SuperDraft to the success of a club?
First, I think the SuperDraft itself has lost significance when it comes to player acquisition. There is already a solid base of players, even with expansion and with academies and a wider range of international players being targeted the actual opportunity for a college player to come through the draft and make a major impact is very small.
Each draft has some very good players, though. However, the top pick has been somewhat cursed by mediocrity. Of all of the top picks in the history of the SuperDraft I believe only Maurice Edu has lived up to the billing. He was so good; he only spent two years in the league before moving to Europe.
2. What did you think about the first two picks of the draft?
I think the top two players this year did go 1-2. While Darren Mattocks might have been the most exciting player in the draft, Andrew Wenger has the talent and ability to shine at almost every position on the field. With Montreal just starting out I think they appreciated the versatility more than an established team might have.
I think Mattocks will get the best chance to shine in the first year. You can’t coach speed, and he’s got the skill to go with it. Plus he’s on a team that is still relatively new – and one that did very poorly last season. The Jamaican will get a chance to prove himself early in the season. From that point, it’s up to him. I would say he’s the early favorite for Rookie of the Year.
3. What was the biggest reach of the draft?
Colin Rolfe could see time with Houston, but it was a bit of a surprise pick, unless they know they won’t get Brian Ching back and they won’t be able to sign Kris Boyd. How many big center forwards do you need?
4. What about a sleeper that could make an immediate impact on an MLS roster?
As far as a sleeper goes, I like Enzo Martinez. Not just because he dropped deeper into the draft, but because of where he landed. He will fit in fine with Salt Lake, even though it might take a season or two to see it.
5. How did the Columbus Crew fare in the draft?
For the Crew, I think their biggest moves of the off-season came before the draft. Short-term, Mirosevic and Vargas will be dangerous if someone gives them chances. A good long-term pick-up was getting Ben Speas on the squad. I think he might have to wait for an opening, but I would not be surprised to see him in the rotation by the end of the year.
Ethan Finlay was a solid pick for the Crew, Arguably the second best player in college soccer this season and he fell to the tenth pick.
I think Warzycha will shake the formation up a bit, especially without Ekpo so Finlay will get a chance to prove himself right off the bat, especially if Mirosevic struggles to adapt. Finlay’s probably Mattock’s biggest rival for Rookie of the Year, but he’ll have more competition for playing time. He reminds me a bit of Landon Donovan, cutting in from the flanks.
Perry was a good pick, but will have to play a waiting game to see action behind Miranda – and that might mean he plays the numbers game to stay on the roster.
George plays a bit like Shalrie Joseph, calm on and off the ball, good vision and touch. However, I don’t see him beating out O’Rourke or Tchani. Maybe with a bit of work and bulk he could drop into the backline as a sweeper.
6. A lot of quality players remain undrafted. Any names to be on the lookout for in the supplemental draft?
Among the guys to keep an eye on for the supplemental draft: UCLA DM Andy Rose and Japanese attacking mid Kohei Yamada. The situation at left back might make the Crew interested in UCSB’s James Kiffe.
Phil Schoen is the lead play-by-play announcer at GolTV. You can find out more about GolTV by visiting www.goltv.tv or by following Phil on Twitter @PhilSchoen.
