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MLS SuperDraft Recap
January 13, 2012
Kansas City, MO
The MLS SuperDraft went off without a hitch yesterday, and 38 young men are now professional soccer players. We've highlighted six astonishing stories of players from all walks of society, all different levels of clubs, and all positions :
Carlos Verde, Whitecaps FC : Just 20 years old, and coming out of the Whitecaps FC U-20 Residency Program, Verde is one of the most exciting young stars in draft. His lightning quick footwork, combined with his excellent shot, can leave defenders (and keepers) scratching their heads and wondering how he beat them. Being a Residency player for an MLS team has helped him tons, he says, so much so that he feels as though he isn't really a rookie in the MLS after playing in the Whitecaps youth system. Originally hailing from Bogota, Colombia, the 5'10/170lb. centre forward moved to Vancouver to live and train in the residency at the age of 15. "I feel as though Vancouver is the most natural fit for me as a player and as a person. I'm extremely thrilled that they selected me 2nd overall!"
Rating - 75.
Drafted - 2nd overall.
Matt Burkart, Columbus Crew : Burkart, a former University of Wisconsin NCAA standout, opted to skip his senior year and declare himself for this year's SuperDraft. A tall, lanky midfielder, Burkart uses his size to win balls in the air, and also uses his size rather well when jostling for positioning. While he may have to move up to foward due to his prowess in the air and lack of pace, don't let his size fool you, he's got decent ball skills for such a tall player, and obviously his endurance is quite impressive (being a 6'4 midfielder is no easy task)!
Rating - 72.
Drafted - 10th overall.
Brandon Olsen - It's been a long, strenuous journey from the backwoods of North Dakota to the MLS SuperDraft for Brandon Olsen. At just 17 years old, he is the youngest player in this year's draft. While he is short and quick, his strength lies in his vision, he's basically a winger that creates. He has also only been playing soccer since he was 13, making him something of a rarity in this draft. FC Dallas liked his playmaking ability at the combine enough to take him with their 11th overall pick.
Rating - 72.
Drafted - 11th overall.
Robert Bolig - A prototypical centre back, albeit bigger than most at 6'4/225, Bobby Bolig is 21, young, and ready to shine. After playing in the talent-filled Philadelphia Development League last season, he felt he was ready to make the jump to the MLS. A big, strong defender, he may slot right into the Union's Starting XI. Philadelphia head scout John Grahame had this to say about Bolig; "He's a strapping lad, real big, and good in the air. He takes no prisoners. And of course, he's got that hometown appeal as well, doesn't he?"
Rating - 71.
Drafted - 13th overall.
James Thomas - In Thomas we've got something of a rarity, a European youngster who would rather play in North America than their home continent. Thomas, who has spent the last three seasons at Bolton Wanderers' Youth Academy, is a left-footed striker with all around talent. He can finish, create, pass, has vision, and average to above-average ball skills with OK pace. The Galaxy liked him enough to make him their first pick in the SuperDraft at #19. The London native will be looked to to provide some rest for aging Galaxy forward Robbie Keane in all likelihood.
Rating - 70.
Drafted - 19th overall.
Harlee James - In Harlee James, Columbus saw grit. They saw determination. Growing up in a rougher neighborhood of the not-so-soccer-hotbed of Cleveland, Ohio, James only picked up soccer three years ago at the age of 13. He's one of the youngest players in the draft, and while he may seem small, he's ferocious and dogged in his efforts on goal and defensive work rate. While he may struggle physically, his finesse and touch on the ball will shine through, and it wouldn't surprise this analyst to see James getting some time with the Starting XI at some point this year.
Rating - 69.
Drafted - 29th overall.
Kansas City, MO
The MLS SuperDraft went off without a hitch yesterday, and 38 young men are now professional soccer players. We've highlighted six astonishing stories of players from all walks of society, all different levels of clubs, and all positions :
Carlos Verde, Whitecaps FC : Just 20 years old, and coming out of the Whitecaps FC U-20 Residency Program, Verde is one of the most exciting young stars in draft. His lightning quick footwork, combined with his excellent shot, can leave defenders (and keepers) scratching their heads and wondering how he beat them. Being a Residency player for an MLS team has helped him tons, he says, so much so that he feels as though he isn't really a rookie in the MLS after playing in the Whitecaps youth system. Originally hailing from Bogota, Colombia, the 5'10/170lb. centre forward moved to Vancouver to live and train in the residency at the age of 15. "I feel as though Vancouver is the most natural fit for me as a player and as a person. I'm extremely thrilled that they selected me 2nd overall!"
Rating - 75.
Drafted - 2nd overall.
Matt Burkart, Columbus Crew : Burkart, a former University of Wisconsin NCAA standout, opted to skip his senior year and declare himself for this year's SuperDraft. A tall, lanky midfielder, Burkart uses his size to win balls in the air, and also uses his size rather well when jostling for positioning. While he may have to move up to foward due to his prowess in the air and lack of pace, don't let his size fool you, he's got decent ball skills for such a tall player, and obviously his endurance is quite impressive (being a 6'4 midfielder is no easy task)!
Rating - 72.
Drafted - 10th overall.
Brandon Olsen - It's been a long, strenuous journey from the backwoods of North Dakota to the MLS SuperDraft for Brandon Olsen. At just 17 years old, he is the youngest player in this year's draft. While he is short and quick, his strength lies in his vision, he's basically a winger that creates. He has also only been playing soccer since he was 13, making him something of a rarity in this draft. FC Dallas liked his playmaking ability at the combine enough to take him with their 11th overall pick.
Rating - 72.
Drafted - 11th overall.
Robert Bolig - A prototypical centre back, albeit bigger than most at 6'4/225, Bobby Bolig is 21, young, and ready to shine. After playing in the talent-filled Philadelphia Development League last season, he felt he was ready to make the jump to the MLS. A big, strong defender, he may slot right into the Union's Starting XI. Philadelphia head scout John Grahame had this to say about Bolig; "He's a strapping lad, real big, and good in the air. He takes no prisoners. And of course, he's got that hometown appeal as well, doesn't he?"
Rating - 71.
Drafted - 13th overall.
James Thomas - In Thomas we've got something of a rarity, a European youngster who would rather play in North America than their home continent. Thomas, who has spent the last three seasons at Bolton Wanderers' Youth Academy, is a left-footed striker with all around talent. He can finish, create, pass, has vision, and average to above-average ball skills with OK pace. The Galaxy liked him enough to make him their first pick in the SuperDraft at #19. The London native will be looked to to provide some rest for aging Galaxy forward Robbie Keane in all likelihood.
Rating - 70.
Drafted - 19th overall.
Harlee James - In Harlee James, Columbus saw grit. They saw determination. Growing up in a rougher neighborhood of the not-so-soccer-hotbed of Cleveland, Ohio, James only picked up soccer three years ago at the age of 13. He's one of the youngest players in the draft, and while he may seem small, he's ferocious and dogged in his efforts on goal and defensive work rate. While he may struggle physically, his finesse and touch on the ball will shine through, and it wouldn't surprise this analyst to see James getting some time with the Starting XI at some point this year.
Rating - 69.
Drafted - 29th overall.
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