MLS SuperDraft today
D.C. United got the draft right last season. Coming off consecutive seasons of missed playoffs, it’s imperative they do it again.
Actually, it was hard to get it wrong last January, given United had the sixth and seventh picks. But Rodney Wallace and Chris Pontius both stood out among a deep class. They were two of the three players to lead D.C. with 28 regular-season appearances, and Pontius (4 goals, 3 assists) parlayed being a finalist for MLS rookie of the year into his first call-up to the U.S. national team this month.
With 17 players (including all three finalists for college soccer’s top honor, the MAC Hermann Trophy) already having signed with MLS — which owns all player contracts — the top-level talent this year is also impressive. But United will have only one chance, the seventh pick, unless they make some kind of trade. They also own a pick in the fourth round.
Top ACC prospects, defender Ike Opara (Wake Forest) and midfielder Tony Tchani (Virginia), are unlikely to be around by the time United selects — Oregon State forward Danny Mwanga is expected to go first overall to the expansion Philadelphia Union — but D.C. would be hard-pressed to pass up Wake midfielder Corben Bone should he still be available.
Maryland midfielder Drew Yates also had a solid showing at this week’s MLS Combine in Fort Lauderdale.
