Filed under: MLS, Chicago Fire, Chivas USA, D.C. United, Houston Dynamo, New England Revolution, Philadelphia Union, Portland Timbers, Vancouver Whitecaps FC
The 2011 MLS draft (still called the "SuperDraft", even though it's been reduced from four rounds to three) will take place Jan. 13 in Baltimore and will provide MLS clubs a final channel through which to bolster their rosters before preseason begins.This year's class is dominated by the University of Akron. The Zips were the NCAA runner-up in 2009 and champion in 2010 (photo) and lost just one game over the course of two seasons.
Three members of the burgeoning dynasty went pro a year ago, led by Sporting Kansas City forward Teal Bunbury, who recently made his debut with the U.S. national team.
This year, MLS commissioner Don Garber may as well read off Akron's starting lineup at the podium.
But there's plenty of other talent available as well in what is considered a deep draft. Here is FanHouse's prediction for how the top half of the first round will play out:
1. Vancouver Whitecaps: Darlington Nagbe, F (University of Akron, 20)
The Whitecaps need strikers, pure and simple. At this moment, Vancouver doesn't have a single natural forward signed to its roster. Nagbe, a junior and one of three finalists for this year's MAC Hermann Trophy (which will be awarded to college soccer's best player on Friday), is a perfect fit for the expansion club.
He's fast, he's strong, and he's a constant menace to opposing defenses. He also boasts impressive experience for a player of his age, having appeared in two NCAA College Cup finals -- including the win over Louisville last month. Nagbe had seven goals and 13 assists. The Ohio product, whose father played for the Liberian national team, would have an immediate impact for the Whitecaps and likely would be a starter in his first professional season.
2. Portland Timbers: Will Bruin, F (Indiana University, 21)
Bruin joins Nagbe as MAC Hermann finalist and offers the Timbers No. 1 pick quality at No. 2. The St. Louis native has proven himself a prolific goalscorer, finishing his college career with 33 goals in 66 games. What's most attractive about Bruin, however, is his leadership qualities and maturity.
The fact that he's considered one of the best three college players in the country even though Indiana finished with an underwhelming 10-7-2 record should tell you something. He knows how to perform and how to lead, which makes him perfect for an expansion side looking to hit the ground running in March.
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