If you were able to follow all the twists and turns of the MLS SuperDraft, you really needed to pay attention all day. With so much wheelin’ and dealin’ it was one of the most active and complicated MLS SuperDrafts in the history of the league.
First, the Chicago Fire surprised everyone by selecting Jack Harrison with the first pick, then trading him just 40 minutes later to New York City FC for the 4th pick. The Philadelphia Union moved up to 2nd, trading with the Colorado Rapids, grabbing consensus #1 pick Josh Yaro. Then, Colorado worked a trade of their own with Chicago that resulted in Colorado moving to the top of the allocation order, possibly for Fabian Johnson, though according to Taylor Twellman, it’s not that certain.
Closing in is a little strong but its Colorado trying to get all their ducks in the row in case he comes back. https://t.co/MtOoh159GN
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) January 14, 2016
Bedoya posted this rather cryptic tweet that could mean just about anything, but can’t rule out it having something to do with this.
One thing made evident to me recently is can’t ever trust the ‘smiling nice guy handshake deal.’ #BusinessAsUsual #NobodyWins
— Alejandro Bedoya (@AleBedoya17) January 14, 2016
Anyway, whether it was for picks, allocation money or targeted allocation money, six trades were made in the first round. In case you were unable to keep up with everything, here is the entire first round result.
1) Jack Harrison – Chicago Fire (traded to NYCFC) – Midfielder from Wake Forest
2) Josh Yaro – Philadelphia Union – Defender from Georgetown
3) Keegan Rosenberry – Philadelphia Union – Defender from Georgetown
4) Brandon Vincent – Chicago Fire – Defender from Stanford
5) Omar Holness – Real Salt Lake – Midfielder from North Carolina
6) Fabian Herbers – Philadelphia Union – Midfielder from Creighton
7) Richmond Laryea – Orlando City SC – Midfielder from Akron
8) Andrew Tarbell – San Jose Earthquakes – Goalkeeper from Clemson
9) Tsubasa Endoh – Toronto FC – Midfielder from Maryland
10) Jordan McCrary – New England Revolution – Defender from North Carolina
11) Julian Buescher – D.C. United – Defender from Syracuse
12) Jonathan Campbell – Chicago Fire – Defender from North Carolina
13) Hadji Barry – Orlando City SC – Forward from Central Florida
14) Kyle Fisher – Montreal Impact – Defender from Clemson
15) Emmanuel Appiah – Colorado Rapids – Midfielder from Cincinnati
16) Cole Seiler – Vancouver Whitecaps – Defender from Georgetown
17) Ryan Herman – FC Dallas – Goalkeeper from Washignton
18) Justin Bilyeu – New York Red Bulls – Defender from SIU Edwardsville
19) Rodrigo Saravia – Columbus Crew SC – Midfielder from Florida Gulf Coast
20) Ben Polk – Portland Timbers – Forward from Syracuse
Colorado traded 2nd pick to Philadelphia for allocation money and player to be named later.
NYCFC traded 4th pick and allocation money to Chicago for Jack Harrison.
Seattle traded 15th pick and allocation money to Chicago for a player to be named later.
Colorado traded 12th and 22nd picks plus number 2 allocation ranking to Chicago for 15th and 33rd picks plus number 1 allocation ranking.
Sporting KC traded 11th pick to D.C. for targeted allocation money.
D.C. traded 13th pick to Orlando for targeted allocation money plus 32nd pick.
Final Thoughts
Having covered this MLS SuperDraft in person two years ago, I can definitely say that there has been more media coverage and more fans being here this year than two years ago. Some feel the SuperDraft is unnecessary and shouldn’t be as much of a big deal as it currently because of the unlikelihood of players being successful from the draft as well as also having other and more successful avenues to sign young talent other than the SuperDraft.
These people may have a point, the MLS SuperDraft may not be the most important event of the year, but it’s fun for what it is. It’s the only event where fans from every team can get together at the same time to cheer their own team. It’s the only event where every GM, president and manager (except for Bruce Arena this year) is in the same room. And it creates a hope that those players in the college system can continue their dream of being a professional soccer player. It may not be perfect but the SuperDraft serves a purpose and is a good time overall. More than likely, the 2017 SuperDraft will be in Los Angeles so there’s a better chance Arena will stick around for that one.
