Robin Fraser knows a thing or two about being a part of and overseeing a strong defense, and he used that knowledge when making Chivas USA's first pick in the draft by picking up Akron's Zarek Valentin.
After picking at No. 4, Chivas traded back into the first round, acquiring Real Salt Lake's first-round pick (No. 14 overall) in exchange for allocation money. The Goats used that pick to take Ecuadorian striker Victor Estupinan, one of the standout performers at the MLS Combine.
With its third-round pick, Chivas grabbed Brown's versatile Jon Okafor, someone who can chip in at midfield and defense.
Valentin is the headliner of the team's class and figures to step in immediately at right back for Chivas, which struggled in the back last year but has also added Jimmy Conrad in the offseason through the Re-Entry Draft. SBI's Mike Nastri was able to speak with Valentin during the draft. Video is after the jump:
[vimeo http://www.vimeo.com/18766464 w=440&h=292]
Zarek Valentin Draft from Soccer By Ives on Vimeo.