The Kansas City Wizards are set to make UCLA defender Chance Myers the first pick in the 2008 MLS Draft, sources have told Soccer By Ives.
Myers is expected to slide in and start in the left back spot vacated by Jose Burciaga Jr, who was traded to the Colorado Rapids.
Myers’ selection marks the second time in three years that a UCLA defender is taken with the first pick in the MLS Draft.
Myers wowed coaches at the Combine with his ability to get forward and deliver sharp passes. He has the versatility to play left wing or left back, much like the Wizards’ first-round pick last year, Michael Harrington.
The Wizards were expected to take either defender Julius James or forward Patrick Nyarko with the No. 1 overall pick but settled on one of the most coveted players in this draft. The clear-cut best left-sided player in the draft, Myers is also a Generation adidas player, meaning he won’t count against the Wizards’ salary cap.
The Wizards acquired the No. 1 overall pick from San Jose for veteran defender Nick Garcia.