MLS SUPERDRAFT ’15

MLS SUPERDRAFT’15

The MLS SUPERDRAFT PHILLY ’15 is underway and the lives of of people are about to change. From those who will remember today always as the day they became professional soccer players to those who select the right draft pick who will make an impact on the field to change the fate of a team… it all happens right here at the MLS SUPERDRAFT.

This is my 4th year attending the MLS SuperDraft and each year it grows. The Vegas style excitement generates a sense of intense opportunity for the new season of soccer.

The movie Moneyball with Brad Pitt about the Oakland A’s comes to mind – but this room is filled with every coach from the MLS teams. Media makes up one wall of spectators with laptops — then there is the passionate supporter section which will cheer once the decisions are made and of course, the people most immediately impacted; the players.

Each team gets only 4 minutes to make their choice.

We will be reporting live with the latest information.

This is the annual kick off of the 20th season of the MLS – this is the year that will kick off two new teams (NYFC and Orlando FC)

“Our league has come a long way,” said Don Garber, the Commissioner of Major League Soccer since 1999.

“The new crest launches today symbolizing the three things that matter most; your club, your community and your country,” said Garber. “The MLS crest reflects the core values of out league.”

“Donovan made the MLS his league of choice,” said Garber. “He played with flair. Beginning 2015 the MLS Most Valuable Player Award will be known as the Landon Donovan Award.”

Landon Donovan received a standing ovation from the owners and coaches of the MLS teams and took to the podium and said, “I’ve always dreamed of being drafted.” Donovan never went through the MLS draft process and enjoyed immensely opening the draft. “Being drafted is only the beginning,” said Donovan, who told the players, “It is going to be a great day, make sure you enjoy it.”

Dreams will come true today for 42 players who will be selected in the annual MLS SuperDraft, presented by adidas. The two rounds will be streamed live MLSsoccer.com (12:30pm ET) and simulcast on SiriusXM FC Channel 94. Rising Canadian star Cyle Larin was widely expected to be the first selection in the draft and was indeed the first round pick by Orlando City.

Here’s the list of the 257 players eligible for selection.

#1

MLS SuperDraft: Canadian international Cyle Larin selected first overall by Orlando City SC

This is a landmark moment for the NYFC as they have the second pick in the MLS SUPERDRAFT ’15.  Their first action is a five-minute timeout and the supporters in the room let out a loud boo in response.  Reporting live from the floor of the draft is unique and wonderful.

#2

New York City FC picked Khiry Shelton from Oregon State for their choice. At 6-foot-3 and 175-pounds, Shelton is from Texas and played on the Portland Timbers Under-23 team. Named the Pac-12 Player of the Year as a senior last season, Shelton helped his team, the Beavers reach the NCAA tournament for the first time in more than ten years.

#3

MLS SuperDraft: Monreal Impact select Central Florida striker Romario Williams with third overall pick

FIRST ROUND PLAYERS

Pick	Club	Player	Note
1		CYLE LARIN Generation adidas	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: F College: Connecticut
2		KHIRY SHELTON	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: F College: Oregon State
3		ROMARIO WILLIAMS Generation adidas	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: F College: Central Florida
4		FATAI ALASHE	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: M College: Michigan State
5		NICK BESLER	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: M College: Notre Dame Pick acquired from Colorado as part of Danny Mwanga trade (Sep 2012)
6		ALEX BONO Generation adidas	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: GK College: Syracuse Pick acquired from Chivas USA as part of trade (Jun 2013)
7		MATT POLSTER	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: D College: Southern Illinois – Edwardsville
8		ZACH STEINBERGER	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: M College: Butler
9		CLEMENT SIMONIN	BIO Position: D College: NC State
10		CONNOR HALLISEY	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: M College: California Pick acquired from Philadelphia as part of CJ Sapong trade (Dec 2014)
11		SKYLAR THOMAS	BIO Position: D College: Syracuse Pick acquired from Portland as part of Maximiliano Urruti trade (Sep 2013)
12		SAAD ABDUL-SALAAM	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: D College: Akron
13		TIM PARKER	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: D College: St. John’s
14		AXEL SJOBERG	BIO | HIGHLIGHTS Position: D College: Marquette Pick acquired from Columbus in trade (Jan 2015)
15		OTIS EARLE	BIO Position: D College: California – Riverside