The 2012 MLS SuperDraft is just days away (Jan. 12, 12 pm ET; ESPN2 and ESPN3), and our experts have differing views on who’s headed where and which teams and players will make the biggest splash. [RELATED: Round Two picks]
With the MLS Combine set to kick off on Friday, January 6 (live coverage of all the matches on MLSsoccer.com), Simon Borg, Jason Saghini, and college beat writer Travis Clark present their mock drafts for both rounds of the SuperDraft. Watch for the update to the mock draft after the Combine.
* GA = member of Generation adidas
FIRST ROUND
<strong>Simon Borg</strong> |
<strong>Jason Saghini</strong> |
<strong>Travis Clark</strong> |
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<strong>1</strong> |
<img style="width: 55px; height: 55px;" src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/league/montrealimapact_logo.png" alt="“"> |
<strong>Andrew Wenger (DF/MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Duke/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The best all-around player and a lock to be a starter somewhere on the field in his first year. An expansion team’s dream</p> |
<strong>Darren Mattocks (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Akron/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Speedy goal scorers are hard to find. Can't pass up this opportunity although Wenger's all around abilities make him hard to look past</p> |
<strong>Darren Mattocks (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Akron/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The high-flying forward gives Jesse Marsch a dangerous offensive weapon up front. Hopefully the Jamaican likes the cold</p> |
<strong>2</strong> |
<img style="width: 51px; height: 74px; float: left;" src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" alt=""> |
<strong>Kelyn Rowe (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Martin Rennie wants to build a team that can possess and attack. Rowe’s skills and versatility fits right in.</p> |
<strong>Andrew Wenger (DF/MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Duke/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Center back is the top need and Wenger is the best prospect there. And at defensive midfield. And arguably at wide mid and forward</p> |
<strong>Andrew Wenger (DF/MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Duke/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The utility man offers depth at center back or defensive midfield for Vancouver and can start right away</p> |
<strong>3</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/newengland_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Darren Mattocks (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Akron/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The most feared college forward in 2011 falls to New England and Jay Heaps has to pull the trigger</p> |
<strong>Chandler Hoffman (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Heaps just misses fellow Blue Devil Wenger and settles for a goal machine who will make great runs in front of two excellent passers in Joseph and Feilhaber</p> |
<strong>Dom Dwyer (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">South Florida/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">A forward with good speed and a clinical finisher, Dwyer will help boost a depleted Revolution forward line</p> |
<strong>4</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Luis Silva (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCSB</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">One of the most skillful midfielders in the country, Silva has the size, smarts and skills to prove a valuable member of the 4-3-3 in Toronto</p> |
<strong>Kelyn Rowe (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Centerback is the need, but TFC doesn’t pass on a guy with Rowe's talent for a centerback who would not be a guaranteed starter</p> |
<strong>Andrew Jean-Baptiste (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">A hulking defender, Jean-Baptiste’s Generation adidas status makes him an attractive choice for Toronto FC, despite the centerback still needing time to develop.</p> |
<strong>5</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/chivas_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Chandler Hoffman (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">One of the top scorers in UCLA history for the Goats as they prepare for the post-JPA era</p> |
<strong>Nick DeLeon (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Louisville</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Chivas could use help in several areas, but adding a potent attacking threat who can play out wide or as a second forward, combine well and get service to JPA/Moreno is a great start</p> |
<strong>Kelyn Rowe (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Rowe is still a bit raw, but he offers an offensive spark few can match in this draft class</p> |
<strong>6</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/sanjose_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Enzo Martinez (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Ever since Geovanni left in 2010, the Quakes have struggled to find a guiding light with ideas in midfield. Now they have him in the Uruguayan</p> |
<strong>Enzo Martinez (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Addition of a dynamic attacking threat who can play in the middle or out left will help SJ get the most out of the Wondo-Lenhart combo up top</p> |
<strong>Matt Hedges (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">A beast at the back, Hedges is MLS-ready and could stake a claim for a starting role in 2012 for the Quakes</p> |
<strong>7</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/dc_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Tyler Polak (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Although reports are that the club is chasing a left back on the int’l market, the best left back of the draft could give Daniel Woolard a run</p> |
<strong>Tyler Polak (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">An upgrade at left back and target forward have to be the first things addressed by Olsen and the GA status of Polak makes him the choice over senior forwards</p> |
<strong>Enzo Martinez (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The Uruguayan playmaker adds depth to D.C.’s attacking corps, both in the middle and on the flanks</p> |
<strong>8</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/portland_150.png" alt="" width="50" height="50"> |
<strong>Calum Mallace (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Marquette</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">A player after John Spencer’s own heart. Tough, spirited, no-nonsense and good on the ball. Can be Jack Jewsbury’s double</p> |
<strong>Luis Silva (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCSB</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">This is a bit speculative, but a more attack-minded option in the midfield would help give Portland a different look at times and potentially spark the offense when needed</p> |
<strong>Austin Berry (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Louisville</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Berry is ready to help an MLS team right away, and he’ll bolster Portland’s back line as a rookie</p> |
<strong>9</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/chicago_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Emiliano Bonfigli (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Manta FC (Ecuador)</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The Fire get the natural finisher they’ve been looking for. The Argentine will be able to convert on the numerous opportunities that Nyarko, Oduro and Pappa create</p> |
<strong>Tony Cascio (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Versatile attacker adds depth to both wings and can play forward if needed. An important pick-up with Pappa's status up in the air</p> |
<strong>Chandler Hoffman (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCLA/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The Fire need a clinical finisher who can finish opportunities created by the speed of Patrick Nyarko and Dominic Oduro. Hoffman fits that bill</p> |
<strong>10</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/columbus_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Dom Dwyer (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">South Florida/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The pieces are falling into place in Columbus but it’s all for naught if they can’t score regularly. Dwyer, who will not be wide-eyed, is quickly rising up the ranks of American soccer</p> |
<strong>Calum Mallace (DF/MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Marquette</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With attacking help coming in via international waters, CLB find a solid option in the middle of the field who can help if injury prone mids O'Rourke and Tchani go down again</p> |
<strong>Ethan Finlay (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With Emmanuel Ekpo and Robbie Rogers on the way out, the Crew need help out wide, which is where Finlay projects to play in MLS. A hard worker on both sides of the ball, he’ll fit in very well in Columbus</p> |
<strong>11</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/dallas_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Sam Garza (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCSB/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With Marvin Chavez gone and the int’l interest only growing around Brek Shea, it wouldn’t hurt to groom a versatile player who can play multiple positions</p> |
<strong>Greg Jordan (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">If anyone can appreciate an unheralded college player that just gets it done it's Hyndman. A Hernandez replacement needs to be found and Dallas doesn't have a 2nd Rd pick</p> |
<strong>Sam Garza (M)</strong><strong>UCSB/GA</strong><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">In need of a right winger thanks to the departure of Marvin Chavez, Garza is a native Texan and a player who can set up chances for new signing Blas Perez to convert</p> |
<strong>12</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/toronto_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Andrew Jean-Baptiste (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Toronto take the last GA player available, hoping that his raw athleticism can eat up some minutes ahead of a congested 2012 fixture list</p> |
<strong>Andrew Jean-Baptiste (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Center back is still their biggest need to a GA product that has a lot of tools and potential seems like the obvious choice - they will be happy to see him drop to 12</p> |
<strong>Nick DeLeon (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Louisville</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The glut of attacking midfielders in this year’s draft means DeLeon falls to Toronto, a good fit for the 4-3-3 system they employ</p> |
<strong>13</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/philadelphia_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Jason Banton (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Leicester City (England)</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Banton’s youth, speed and energy on the left will help the Union forget about Justin Mapp. Peter Nowak will like that the young pro won’t need much hand-holding</p> |
<strong>Matt Hedges (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Jean-Baptiste's selection means Hedges drops to the Union and they'd be thrilled to add depth to their most shallow position with the UNC centerback</p> |
<strong>Tyler Polak (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">While some debate his readiness for the pro ranks, Philadelphia need reinforcements at left back and can bring Polak along slowly as a backup</p> |
<strong>14</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/colorado_150.png" alt="" width="64" height="64"> |
<strong>Nick DeLeon (MF) </strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Louisville</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">An injection of youth and skill into the Rapids midfield. He can take ownership of the left midfield slot that has been a revolving door in Colorado</p> |
<strong>Hunter Jumper (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Virginia</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The biggest need for COL is left back unless they feel good about oft-injured Anthony Wallace and unsigned Hunter Freeman. A good direction to go here</p> |
<strong>Tony Cascio (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Needing creativity in their midfield, Cascio provides an attacking option on either flank for the retooling Rapids</p> |
<strong>15</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/seattle_150.png" alt="" width="62" height="62"> |
<strong>Casey Townsend (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Maryland</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">They call him the next Taylor Twellman. He’s lethal around goal and just what the doctor ordered for a Sounders team that has yet to find a high-scoring forward</p> |
<strong>Sam Garza (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCSB/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Dangerous attacking player who needs to get better at finishing his chances - he can learn from one of MLS' best and maybe one day replace him</p> |
<strong>Casey Townsend (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Maryland</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Roster spots are few and far between in Seattle, but a goal poacher like Townsend would be a solid addition and could convert chances set up by the Sounders’ midfield</p> |
<strong>16</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/sportingkc_logo.png" alt="" width="55"> |
<strong>Chris Estridge (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Indiana</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">A marauding left back in the style of Seth Sinovic, who can give the latter competition. Can possibly also play at left mid. His fitness is a plus in KC’s high pressure system</p> |
<strong>Jason Banton (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Leicester City (England)</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With plenty of International spots open and a solid base, Vermes can take a chance on the speedy 19-year old from England</p> |
<strong>Tommy Meyer (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Indiana</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Another big, physical centerback, Meyer provides another option for Peter Vermes at the back</p> |
<strong>17</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Tony Cascio (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UConn</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">After attempting to make a Home Grown claim on Cascio, RSL see him fall in their lap during the draft. Potential replacement at right midfield for Andy Williams but will need time</p> |
<strong>Aldo Paniagua (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">General Caballero</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">While depth at right back is a key need, Paniagua offers coverage at several places in the midfield, could play right back and is much more experienced than the collegiate options</p> |
<strong>Calum Mallace (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Marquette</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">An intimidating holding midfielder who can cover a tremendous amount of ground, Mallace would make a reliable backup for Kyle Beckerman</p> |
<strong>18</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/houston_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Tony Walls (DF/MF) </strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UW-Green Bay</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">There’s not much depth at central midfield in Houston and Walls will bring the right mix of athleticism and skills that Dominic Kinnear appreciates</p> |
<strong>Dom Dwyer (FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">South Florida/GA</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">After picking up two GA's in the first round last year, Kinnear snags the last remaining one in '12, adding a talented goal-scorer to a depleted front line</p> |
<strong>Luis Silva (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">UCSB</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">Silva, one of the top attacking midfielders in the draft, provides guile and class in the middle of the park that would open up more chances for Brad Davis and Houston’s sizable forward line</p> |
<strong>19</strong> |
<img src="//dc-mp7static.mlsdev.net/mp6/losangeles_150.png" alt="" width="55" height="55"> |
<strong>Ethan Finlay (MF/FW)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Creighton</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">The champs add some pace and attacking verve to the wings, which generally lack both unless Landon Donovan starts there</p> |
<strong>Aaron Maund (DF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">Notre Dame</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With uncertainty surrounding the future of Omar Gonzalez, LA picks up some insurance with the athletic Maund to potentially pair with the cerebral DeLaGarza</p> |
<strong>Kirk Urso (MF)</strong><p style="text-align: center; margin-top: 0; line-height: 1.3em;">North Carolina</p><p style="line-height: 1.4em; margin-top: 6px;">With Juninho returning to Brazil and Beckham’s status unclear, Urso is a capable option in central midfield this late in the first round</p> |
