2015 MLS SuperDraft: As It Happened
The first half of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft takes place Thursday in Philadelphia, where the league's next class of incoming talent learns its fate. The first two rounds are being held at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, with the remaining two taking place over conference call on Jan. 20. For more on the top prospects available, read Liviu Bird's pre-draft breakdown. We'll track all of Thursday's picks as they happen below (* denotes member of Generation adidas class):
1.
Orlando City SC
The UConn and Canada U-20 national team star has long been considered the top prospect in this class, and the Lions have an established UConn connection through GM and former UConn assistant Paul McDonough.
2.
New York City FC
The Oregon State University product had 10 goals and 12 assists in his senior year and has been part of the U.S. youth national team setup.
3. *Romario
Montreal Impact
The Impact need forward help with the retirement of Marco Di Vaio and they opt to pick one in the Central Florida and Jamaica youth national team product.
4. Fatai
San Jose Earthquakes
The Michigan State product was a four-year stalwart at central defensive midfield for the Spartans and fills an area of need for Dom Kinnear's Earthquakes.
5. Nick
Portland Timbers
The Timbers go with U.S. men's national team center back Matt Besler's younger brother, who stood out at the combine as a central midfielder and helped Notre Dame to the 2013 NCAA title.
6. *Alex
Toronto FC
The Hermann Trophy finalist and U.S. national team January Camp call-up goes from Syracuse to Toronto, where he can push Joe Bendik for a starting role.
7. Matt
Chicago Fire
The Fire go local, taking the Southern Illinois University-Evansville defender. A four-year starter, he goes to a non-playoff team that leaked 51 goals last season.
8. Zach
Houston Dynamo
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Owen Coyle's first pick as an MLS manager is the Butler four-year starter. He drew solid reviews from his play at the MLS Combine and provides depth at an area of strength for the club.
9. Clement
Toronto FC
With its second pick, Toronto FC looks to reinforce its back line with the North Carolina State product. A surprise pick and not a name that many had seen being called this early.
10. Connor
Sporting Kansas City
A Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Hallisey played four years at Cal and offers help on the wing for Sporting KC, an important role in Peter Vermes' 4-3-3.
11. Skyler
Toronto FC
TFC goes back to the Syracuse well to pair Thomas with Bono. Thomas being a Canadian citizen certainly boosts his worth on the Reds' roster, and the familiarity with Bono is a plus as well.
12. SAAD
Sporting Kansas City
The Akron product signed a senior contract with MLS and is an attacking right back that adds depth to a team heavy on center backs but thin on fullbacks. Had 11 assists in his last two seasons with the Zips.
13. Tim
Vancouver Whitecaps
The Whitecaps are undergoing a defensive makeover, and they add to their center back corps with Parker, a St. John's product who was once in the U.S. U-18 national team player pool.
14. Axel
Colorado Rapids (via Columbus)
The Rapids traded up to take the 6-foot-7, 210-pound behemoth of a center back out of Marquette. Born in Sweden, his size is a unique asset for any prospect.
15.
FC Dallas
Son of NBC Sports TV analyst and former player Robbie Earle, Otis, a promising left back, comes out of UC-Riverside. Born in the UK, Earle has a green card and won't count as an international player.
16. *Cristian
Seattle Sounders (via RSL)
Thought to be a top-two pick, Roldan plummeted but lands in an ideal spot. The U.S. youth national team attacking midfielder gets to stay near his University of Washington and grow with the likes of Clint Dempsey, Osvaldo Alonso, etc.
17. Miguel
D.C. United
In searching for attacking depth as it prepares to compete in the CONCACAF Champions League, D.C. takes Aguilar, who tallied 15 goals in four season at the University of San Francisco.
18.
New York Red Bulls
The Red Bulls take the Hermann Trophy winner from UCLA, who hasn't signed with MLS yet and could very well land a deal overseas. Nevertheless, the Red Bulls have the MLS rights to one of the best prospects in this class.
19. Sergio
Columbus Crew (via Colorado)
Columbus lands the brute 6-foot-4 Jamaican international out of UConn, as Gregg Berhalter looks to add muscle to his back line.
20. Amadou
Sporting Kansas City
Sporting KC adds the lesser-heralded Clemson product to the club's stable.
21. Ignacio
LA Galaxy
The defending MLS Cup champions opt for the Spain-born Iona attacker who had 27 goals in four seasons.
22. *Conor Donovan, D
Orlando City SC
23. Connor
New York City FC
24. Andy
Portland Timbers
25. Akeil
Orlando City SC
26. JoE
Colorado Rapids
27. Boyd
Real Salt Lake (via Seattle)
28. Kinglsey
Chicago Fire
29. Wesley Charpie, D
Toronto FC
30. Oumar
Houston Dynamo (via Sporting KC)
31. Dzenan
Philadelphia Union
32.
Portland Timbers
33. TYLER
Seattle Sounders (via New England Revolution)
34. KHARLTON
Portland Timbers
35. SAGI
Columbus Crew SC
36. Rob
Houston Dynamo
37. edwin
Toronto FC
38. kay
Vancouver Whitecaps
39. stefano
New York Red Bulls
40. oneil
Seattle Sounders
41. eric
Philadelphia Union
42. dan
D.C. United
