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SBI 2014 MLS Draft Big Board (version 1.0)

Marquez Fernandez (17)

By IVES GALARCEP

While it might still seem far away, the 2014 MLS Draft is actually less than two months away, meaning most MLS teams are well into their draft preparations as they try to identify the players to go after on draft day.

As is our tradition on SBI, we will be providing you with regular player rankings leading up to the draft, offering you the best measure of MLS draft prospects you will find anywhere. Our rankings aren’t perfect, but they should offer you a good sense of which players are attracting the most attention as we draw closer to the draft.

As always, the Generation adidas class is the center of attention, though it can be argued that this year’s class is one of the weakest in several years. There are no must-have prospects like year’s past, when the likes of Darlington Nagbe, Darren Mattocks, Omar Gonzalez and Perry Kitchen came into the draft very highly rated.

We will start off with our first SBI MLS Draft Big Board, which consists of 50 MLS Draft prospects. Please note that the list includes 12 underclassmen who are on the Generation adidas radar. The GA class won’t be that large, it is more likely to be in the 5-7 player range this year, but we’re listing 12 so you have a sense of the players currently in the conversation.

It should also be noted that this list does not include Homegrown Players. It is a list of players expected to be in the draft, or who could be in the draft via Generation adidas. As we find out more about Homegrown Player claims, we could see some names added (like Notre Dame’s Harrison Shipp, who Chicago has a homegrown claim on that is being disputed) and removed (like Indiana’s Thommy Thompson, who San Jose is apparently claiming as Homegrown) from this list.

Now, without further ado, here is the first 2014 SBI MLS Draft Big Board (which will be updated on a bi-weekly basis for the next two months):

2014 SBI MLS DRAFT BIG BOARD (version 1.0)

(*Generation adidas candidates)

*1. CHRISTIAN DEAN, California, Centerback

Left-footed centerback has scouts drooling. Has the size and technical ability to do very well on the next level.

*2. SCHILLO TSHUMA, Maryland, Forward

Having a down year after a terrific freshman year, but that isn’t scaring off scouts who see him as the attacking player with the most upside in the pool. Dynamic foward with speed and shiftiness to cause problems for opposing defenses.

*3. ANDRE BLAKE, UConn, Goalkeeper

He’s been the best goalkeeper in the nation the past two years, and has even been called up by the Jamaican national team. Boasts size and impressive quickness.

*4. LEO STOLZ, UCLA, Midfielder

Pac-12 Offensive player of the year boasts impressive skills in the middle of the park, but the German-born midfielder seems unlikely to leave school early. If he does, he’d be a sure-fire Top 10 pick.

5. PATRICK MULLINS, Maryland, Midfielder/Forward

Reigning Hermann Award winner is an outstanding player who will almost certainly go near the top of the draft, but questions about just what his best pro position will be could scare some teams off who don’t see him excelling at any one in particular.

6. STEVE BIRNBAUM, California, Centerback

Missed last year due to injury, but has made up for lost time by being the best defender in the nation this year. Very well could be the first senior off the board in the draft.

*7. TOMMY THOMPSON, Indiana, Forward/Midfielder

Speedy freshman forward helped carry Indiana this year, and has turned heads with his speed and quickness and fearlessness at such a young age. San Jose is trying to claim him as a homegrown player but sources tell SBI that claim isn’t the strongest. If he’s in the draft, he’s a Top 10 pick easily.

*8. CYLE LARIN, UConn, Forward

Another freshman who has caught scouts’ eyes with his size/skill combination and finishing ability. UConn players don’t generally leave school early so he may just stay in school, but if the Canadian forward leaves school early he’ll be a Top 10 pick.

*9. ERIC MILLER, Creighton, Right back/Midfielder

The U.S. Under-20 World Cup defender has endured his share of injuries during his college career, but there is little disputing that he’s the best fullback in the college game. Also capable of playing in midfield, and should be a lock to score a Generation adidas deal.

*10. A.J. COCHRANE, Wisconsin, Centerback

A U.S. Under-20 national team defender, Cochrane has the size, strength and toughness to make a smooth transition to the pros, but the question is whether Generation adidas will sign two centerbacks? If so, Cochrane won’t last on the board too long.

11. KYLE VENTER, New Mexico, Centerback

The 6-foot-3 senior drew some Generation adidas buzz last year, and even though there is believe he had a bit of a down year by his standards, Venter is still one of the best seniors in the draft. Dominant in the air and physical.

12. PEDRO RIBEIRO, Coastal Carolina, Central Midfielder

Tall and rangy central midfielder with impressive vision and technical ability, Ribeiro would be higher on the board if he were American, but as all foreign players do, Ribeiro is likely to fall a bit in the draft. Still a sure-fire first-rounder.

13. STEVE NEUMANN, Georgetown, Forward/Midfielder

His unforgettable showing against Maryland in last year’s NCAA Tournament catapulted his name into the elite, but he is another player who scouts wonder about from a position standpoint. He’s talented, and makes things happen in the attack, but figuring out where he fits best on the next level is the big concern.

*14. MARLON HAIRSTON, Louisville, Midfielder/Forward

Another U.S. Under-20 player, Hairston was a composed central midfielder as a freshman, but stepped up into a more attacking role for the Cardinals as a sophomore. Still projects as a central player, and would probably be better off staying in school so he can mature physically a bit more, but has the tools and upside to draw first-round interest if he makes the Generation adidas cut.

15. MAMADOU DIOUF, UConn, Forward/Midfielder

Much like Tshuma, Diouf is enduring a down year after previously being unstoppable in the tough Big East in previous years. His struggles haven’t scared away scouts, who still see him as a first-round value.

*16. GIUSEPPE GENTILE, Charlotte, Forward

A prolific scorer since his freshman year, Gentile has matured into a well-rounded forward who is on the fringes of the Generation adidas conversation. Might have to wait another year to get drafted, but if he lands a GA deal, a first-round spot should be his.

17. KEVIN COPE, Michigan State, Centerback

The 6-foot-1 senior may not have the size of some of the other centerbacks in this pool, but Cope impresses scouts with his position and confidence on the ball.

18. JOEY DILLON, Georgetown, Defensive Midfielder

A player who has been overshadowed by attacking players at Georgetown the past few years, Dillon has impressed scouts with his ability to do the dirty work in central midfield and keep the ball moving, providing the perfect conduit between defense and offense.

19. BEN SWEAT, South Florida, Left Back

Teams needing a left back will look at Sweat first. He’s a top athlete, with the speed and strength to deal with the most physical of wing challenges, but there is still some rawness to his game so expecting him to step into MLS and start might be a stretch.

20. ROMENA BOWIE, VCU, Central Midfielder

Jamaican midfielder is a quality two-way player who has impressed for the past two years and would be much higher on this list if not for his international status.

21. NIKITA KOTLOV, Indiana, Left Winger

A left-footed player with some pace and ability to take defenders on, Kotlov is one of the best wing options in the draft pool and could very well wind up a first-round pick for a team willing to reach for a good wide option.

22. LUCA GIMENEZ, Wake Forest, Attacking Midfielder/Right Winger

A playmaker/second forward on the college level, Gimenez might not wind up in that sort of role on the next level, but scouts love his technical ability. He can set teammates up and create chances for himself as well.

*23. DYLAN MARES, Indiana, Attacking Midfielder

An example of a player who saw their stock tumble after a transfer. Mares never quite settled in after moving to Indiana, and probably would have been better served staying at Louisville. Now, he’s a longshot GA who will have to have a strong senior year to regain his status as one of the top playmakers in the nation.

24. ALEX MARTINEZ, North Carolina State, Attacking Midfielder

A central midfielder who has shown an ability to create chances for others as well as score goals of his own, Martinez saw his stock dip a bit during his senior year, though he did show off his playmaking ability.

25. AKEIL BARRETT, Tulsa, Right Winger

A fast and shifty winger, Barrett is the kind of player who could thrive playing wide in a 4-3-3 on the next level.

26. A.J.CORRADO, Indiana, Attacking Midfielder/Right Winger

27. JARED WATTS, Wake Forest, Defensive Midfielder

28. DAMION LOWE, Hartford, Centerback

29. MARK SHERROD, Memphis, Forward

30. GRANT VAN DE CASTEELE, Notre Dame, Centerback

31. NICK HAGGLUND, Xavier, Centerback

37. VICTOR CHAVEZ, UCLA, Forward

33. MARCO FRANCO, UC-Irvine, Right Back

34. RAFAEL DIAZ, St. John’s, Goalkeeper

35. ROBBIE DERSCHANG, Akron, Left Winger

32. JOE SOFIA, UCLA, Centerback/RightBack

36. NICK WALKER, FDU, Centerback

38. FIFI BAIDEN, UCSB, Defensive Midfielder

39. REINALDO BRENES, Akron, Forward

40. CHRIS RITTER, Northwestern, Defensive Midfielder

41. GEORGE FOCHIVE, UConn, Defensive Midfielder

42. MICHAEL CALDERON, New Mexico, Attacking Midfielder

43. AODHAN QUINN, Akron, Right Winger

44. TAYLOR PEAY, Washington, Centerback

45. HARRISON PETTS, Indiana, Right Winger

45. RYAN NEIL, California, Midfielder/Defender

46. TOMISLAV ZADRO, Wisconsin, Central Midfielder

47. THOMAS MCNAMARA, Clemson, Midfielder

48. SUNNY JANE, Maryland, Right Winger

49. OMAR MATA, Tulsa, Attacking midfielder/left winger

50. WOJCIECH WOJCIK, Bradley, Forward

Comments

  1. If MLS clubs are looking for attacking full backs they should have a look at Vermont’s right back Beau Johnson, had a great year with Vermont & FC London’s PDL squad. Pace, scores goals and sets them up. Clearly underrated I’m assuming because of the conference Vermont plays in but definitely worth a look.

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  2. I went to many Saint Francis (PA) games this year had a good player . The forward senior Nick Kolarac should get a look in the draft maybe supplemental. 11 goals 4 assists on the year

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    • I saw Kolarac play against Penn State and when he was in Florida this summer at IMG academy PDL very smooth player, athletic, and technical would like to see him get a chance at the combine. For the guys playing at smaller D1 schools it is hard to get recognized even though he could play on any team in the nation.

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      • Very true on getting recognized .The top goal scorer in pac 12 conference play is from sdsu ,JORDAN ONGARO.and cant be found on any charts.more goals than LEO STOLZ. and CHAVEZ

  3. If I’m in the DCU front office I’d consider packaging up my first draft choice with some other players, allocation or cash and talk to Seattle about Eddie Johnson. Why take a chance on a young college striker when they might be able to get a proven veteran. Pay him DP money, his track record looks good for it.

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    • I’m inclined to agree. If the team purchases Doyle and gets another young striker via other means(trade, international signing), a young striker wont be a huge necessity. A talented young centerback, however, would be tempting.

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  4. It would be a great accompanying article to have the top ten HGPs and where they would go in the draft if they were available (eg top 5, top ten, first round).

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  5. I almost stopped reading after looking at the first 15… all I heard was tall, strong, physical… however that is a perfect bio of the MLS. Hmmmmm

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      • There aren’t even that many technically gifted and fast pro centerbacks in the USA, and that’s with access to the foreign market. They’re not easy to find. I suppose you also hope for playboy bunny hook-ups and winning lottery tickets too. We all do, doesn’t make it any less unrealistic.

  6. Alexis hernandez from fresno Pacific should be on this list but due to his participation with the mexican national youth teams was not able to play d1 he currentlywill be leaving turn the Christmas break to Spain where one of the pro team has called him in for a months long try out look him up on the web

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  7. You are missing forward Mac Pridham from this list. Has been one of the best goal-scorers in the nation the last few years. Very strong, excellent movement and finishing with both feet, a true nose for goal. Hermann Award nominee this year and produced another excellent year with 14 goals.

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  8. Omar mata is a good attacking player, but his younger brother Cristian is going to be a great player in a year or two. Classic #9, quality around the box and makes brilliant runs.

    I am also surprised Mark Sherrod has dropped so far, guy tore it up 2 years ago.

    Shawn McLaws out of Coastal Carolina is a legit right back prospect to keep an eye on. Gets forward unbelievably we’ll amd serves a great ball. Defensive player of the year in their conference, could play in the mold of another oklahoma outside back, Zach Lloyd.

    Ives are Boyd Okuwunu and Sebastian Ibegaha likely to sign HG contracts with FC Dallas and Houston respectively?

    Side note- love the site and keep it coming. Oklahoma NASL fan here!

    Reply
    • I’m going to guess that you are not from America. They try to share the resources (talented players) among the franchises by using parity increasing measures like an amateur draft, re-entry draft, weighted lotteries, and a salary cap. The idea is to promote competition. It’s similar in other American leagues (NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB). In leagues outside of the US, competition is an afterthought. When Barcelona and Read Madrid play bottom feeding teams, there is no enjoyment for the fans, and the fans are the ones paying for the product. In my opinion, some leagues out there are jokes if there is no competition between top and bottom.

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  9. This is probably the list of prospects that I least recognize over the past few years. I take that to mean that the youth national teams have been filled more and more with MLS academy teams and players abroad

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    • I have seen a few of these guys play in person…there are some very very good players in there if the ranking are at all accurate.

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    • There’s no wow to it. Dean’s younger, left-footed and GA. Drafts are about potential and current ability. Birnbaum is better now, but what’s his ceiling compared to Dean’s?

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      • dean didn’t look that great against stanford a couple weeks ago… passes all over the place. solid defensively though and definitely has the athletic tools for the pro game… but I’ve heard that story before with guys like Ike opara… but they never developed the soccer brain and ball/passing skills.

      • Been to half dozen Cal matches this year. Birmbaum far, far better football brain, far far better technically. Not as big as Dean, and not left footed. But my take is that the only reason Dean is rated so highly is because he was paired with Birmbaum.

    • No chance they use the top pick on a cb, unless there are some serious additions to the team first. CBs are comparatively cheap, tschuma or Mullins are much more likely.

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    • I think that if Benji Joya enters the draft, DCU should take him at number one. If he doesn’t, and Leo Stolz is available, I’d take him and see if he can be a center midfielder in a 4-2-3-1. They already have Jared Jeffrey and Perry Kitchen who I would like to see pair up as defensive midfielders. If neither of them are available because they didn’t enter the pool, then they should trade the pick. Even though Patrick Mullins plays in the backyard, and will probably be successful in MLS for a counter attacking team, I don’t think we should take him.

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  10. two things:

    1. sorry if i missed it, but what do the asterisks denote?

    2. kind of surprising that sunny jane’s that far down the board (48). every time i’ve seen him, he’s been impressive.

    Reply

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