January 11, 2019, marks the 19th (and hopefully last) edition of the MLS SuperDraft.
While the MLS SuperDraft populates the MLSsoccer.com newsfeed, it mitigates any sustainable growth that the league should experience because the SuperDraft redistributes talent artificially. Further, the SuperDraft is one of the last tenets of American sports that MLS clings to in its trek for global soccer respect.
Nonetheless, here are the Top 5 picks and why they will be picked there:
2019 MLS SuperDraft Mock Draft
1. FC Cincinatti
Siad Haji, Attacker, VCU
As the lone MLS expansion team, FC Cincy picks first and will likely pick talented winger/offensive midfielder Haji with the first pick because the club could add some speedy attacking pieces.
2. San Jose Earthquakes
JJ Williams, Forward, Kentucky
San Jose should plan for life after Wondo and Williams' build (6-4, 200 pounds) sounds like a poaching No. 9.
3. Orlando City
Brad Dunwell, Center Midfield, Wake Forest
After a torrid year that saw Yoshimar Yotun leave, Orlando City needs help in midfield. Dunwell's college experience at possession-based Wake Forest provides some experience for a team in need of more ball control than Will Johnson provided.
4. FC Dallas
Frankie Amaya, Attacking Midfield, UCLA
Mauro Diaz, Roland Lamah and Oscar Pareja have all left FC Dallas, and so new attacking blood is needed. While FCD has one of MLS's most prominent youth academies, this fourth pick should be used on an attacker.
5. Chicago Fire
Wouter Verstraaten, Center Back, Pacific
Bastian Schweinsteiger re-signed to help the team, so please do not play him at center back! The Fire need depth at CB, and Verstraaten's size and European-acumen should help the team play out of the back.
Few of the drafted players will earn substantive minutes for these teams because the MLS SuperDraft does not provide the real quality in the league. Now, with TAM and more prominent academies, the SuperDraft serves only as a pipeline to MLS reserve sides and front-row seating for coaches' backsides. Real talent enters professional soccer before college age.
So, Mr. Garber and MLS, please get rid of the MLS SuperDraft, because this is not the NFL, NBA or MLB; this is the world's game.
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