This is why we will continue to lag behind other countries when it comes to producing top talent.  How can people not have seen that Drew Yates is a first round talent.  I only saw him play a couple times and he impressed me. In America we tend to confuse tackle football with football/soccer.  Soccer is not all about running around and hustling for no reason.  The creativity part is what makes this game beautiful.  I hope Yates goes to Seatle so he can actually blossom into the player he can be. Everyone always wants to say comment about these type of players like..."he cant play defence"......well duh, he is an ATTACKING midfielder. That like not picking a centerback because he cant shoot.

Martinez the defender from Hofstra is a sleeper in this draft. a lock down defender with international stage experience. Very suprised he is not in the top four mock rounds.

RSL will not draft a GK, they have a decent backup now. Try again.

Agreed 100% TFC Fan #2

Mo's great draft record is not as good as people make him out to be.  He has done a fairly decent job at Drafting, but to say that he is a master of it is a bit much.  Wynne was a bust in New York and you can clearly see that he has not lived up to expectations.

Boyens, James and Phalen were not the best picks either... and what truely makes a GM great at drafting is his late round picks and I know Mo will use the excuse of "We cant have X ammount of amiercans on the team" and it is true, but if you can see talent and grab players for 30k a year then you do it instead of drafting a striker with a european dream.   Guys like Geoff Cameron, Darrius Barnes etc etc have gone past TFC in the past.

Once again, not ripping on MoJo... I just dont see why alot of TFC fans think he can turn water into wine.

Mo Johnston's GM moves are a lot like 3 card monte.  The pieces move fast and in the end he's waving something around like he's got some value but if you look closely he's not winning the game.

Example #1 - Mo drafts marvell Wynne number one over all.   Well for starters he traded for that pick.  He gave up his own pick plus other goodies, the end result was the other team got Sasha Klesjian plus assets.   Winner = not Mo

I know someone's going to say "but Wynne was more highly regarded".  You pay the GM to be right, not be wrong by virtue of taking the consensus. 

So few predictions for Toronto FC, i'm sure Mo will be able to pull somthing out of his arse, his past superdraft record is spectacular.

Tio, i wouldnt be expecting a trade.... Danny Mwagna will be picked first overall by the Union. 

As a Union fan I wouldn't mind seeing them trade DC #1 overall for the two first round picks.  Or at least make a trade to get to Tchani.  They will need some size in the box and Tchani could be a threat on set pieces.  As they are now the Union lack size.

I dont know if you should question his size if he is going to play on the wing, but i do agree that he has great vision and could be a "sleeper" in this draft.

With seniors like Nakazawa & Da Luz ahead of him in the pecking order, he wont be picked until the 3rd round I figure.  This is why the combine is so important for guys like Pezza.

Regarding the Pezza lad, he was unable to replicate the phenomenal season he had two years ago (I believe 19 assists), however, he had a great year last year (2nd on uconn in total points only behind OB White) and was injured for almost half of his senior year.

He has great vision and tactically is one of the best players in the draft, his main question mark is his size.

Playing alongside Toni Stahl definitely took some attention off of Pezza, but if he has a quality combine, his stock will likely rise to where it was a couple years ago.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/soccerinsider/2009/12/akrons_bunbury_to...

Teal signs with the MLS

Point - "FCD has already filled their developmental roster with GA kids. Any picks they make would have to go to the senior roster, so I strongly doubt that they keep both 1st round picks"

Counter point - I expect FCD to flip this pick to the highest bidder, and with quality like Duka still being around the price might be pretty high.

were on the same page with FCD

With the NYRB pick, I agree that Duka is the right choice for them but from the feeling ive been getting from a few people in new york, is that a number 2 pick for Duka might be a bit of a stretch.

Bone is the better player at the moment and we are not sure if he is going pro.   All the Gen Adidas guys are a guess... so theres my response to Teal.

With FCD, you draft anywhere and your running into problems with alreadying having youth there.  You cant pick a defender because you have guys like Wallace, George John etc back there... You cant pick another forward because you have Peri Marosecivic up top of the pecking order.  Other then Dax, they dont have a stud midfielder which who they can base there team around. 

DC United need a goalkeeper, whats wrong with drafting for a need... even if it isnt the best pick at the time.  Look at New England, they have shown in the past.. draft what you need and dont worry about others.

But thank you for the response! The board will be changing and I love discussions about potential picks.

I forgot about the Tchani pick:

FCD has already filled their developmental roster with GA kids. Any picks they make would have to go to the senior roster, so I strongly doubt that they keep both 1st round picks. As for Tchani, FCD already has Hernandez, McCarty, Ferreira, Harris, and likely Pearce as CM players. Tchani is a good player, but he would still struggle to make it into that midfield. FCD really needs another forward to pair with Cunningham. Akpan, Wiedeman, Bunbury, or Mwanga (assuming that one or the other comes out) would be the better selection.

Lots of odd or fundamentally wrong picks:

-There's no way DC takes a GK in the first round. They simply have too many needs to go for a project. Besides that, they already have GA academy product Bill Hamid to fill in that project role. Sarkodie or Mwanga would be the more likely pick, and both can help right away.

- Bunbury is likely less inclined to go pro now that his coach is staying, He's only a sophomore, so the money will still be there after his junior year.

-NY has a mad-on for Duka and would never pass him over. Even if he isn't the best talent on the board, they will go for the "hometown boy" story to drum up press and storylines.

He was really good two years ago, but once he stopped playing along side White his production stopped.  We will get to see what he does playing along side the best of the best at the combine, but right now his stock is pretty low after a few quiet seasons.

Mike Pezza has not been talked about in a while in the ranks of top prospects in the upcoming MLS Draft. Lead the country in assists his sophomore year with 19 leading his team to the elite 8. He can put on ball on a dime, and his vision in perfect for the MLS. What does anyone think about him?

Ya it is either going to be Zac MacMath or Michael Chesler to get the contract this year just from what a few sites have said about them both.

There hasnt been any talks yet about and GA keepers, Last year I heard more about Zac then I have this year, so i would figure that he is going to stay at Maryland for another season.  Which could be a good thing for him as he will still get starting keeper min in the NCAA and with no reserves in the picture YET for the MLS.   Starting min are good.

how about the goalkeeing spot for GA do you think zac Macmath or Michael chesler will get it or will they have to wait until next year?

The top picks who are not Sr's are going to be guys like Dilly Duka, Corbin Bone, Sheanon Williams (Who may do the same thing Dilly did, leave ncaa last year and found nothin in europe) Also Teal Bunbury could be looking to make the jump to pro soccer. 

Id say wait another month before the GA names start to come out, but it could be a very strong draft.

 who are the top prospects that aren't seniors to go in the draft?

Well, to be fair you cant expect to have a 2 month combine. Teams do have scouting networks that scout actual NCAA matches, I dont think teams make their decisions based primarily on a 4 day combine.

The NFL combine is only 4 days of actual workouts, plus a day or two of interviews.

haha joe public & more money thats mess

we ALL know mls pays dog wages you probly make more in the usl

but there is nothign that he could have done in the combine to reduce him to no pick @ all

the reports were first day he was okay second day amazing and 3rd day a disaster

of course he will be take up by another side

buh mls is garbage serious garbage perform for 4 years an give them 4 days to play games an then sum it up utter mess

Next year I am working on a way for everyone to submit their own mock drafts, so your welcome to see how close you come! ;)

That it was a mistake, we are not perfect here and dont pretend to be... If you look at the rankings all over the web, Yohance was a top prospect and still is in my mind.  There is somthing more to the story then a bad combine. 

Maybe a club like Joe Public came sniffing around and offered him more money, im not sure at the moment what it was. But hey if it makes you feel better about yourself, Ill say it I was wrong.

So what does it say for you guys when you had Yohannce Marshall on all 4 Mock Drafts (which was 1st round only) and he wasn't drafted at all.

I dont see where this rumor came from about Gonzalez not having any speed.  He was never really beaten in the middle of the park with anyones pace.  All the players at the combine that i talked to thought he did the best job out on the field aswell.  If you would like to give me instances where he looked slow, please let me know.  Was it when he went down the sitelines for a good 15-20 yards with one of the fastest men in the combine Adjeman-Pamboe and kept up and won the ball?

Listen, we all have different views of how players play and turn out, but the line "Dude, what crack pipe are you smoking"  then followed up by he looked terrible with no real proof. Is really not going to get the most intellectual response from people.

 Gonzalez was the player who impressed you most at the Combine? Were you smoking crack? Gonzalez was pretty good the second day, but his lack of speed is worrisome. I can think of a dozen players who had better combines. Not that Gonzalez won't go high -- he's got a lot going for him, if you can get past the speed deficiency -- but best combine? No way.

 Did you not see Yohance Marshall at the Combine? He may have played himself out of the draft entirely. A disastrous combine, maybe as poor as that Ohio State forward/goalkeeper combo's combine last year. No way he goes in the first round, unlikely the second. Maybe someone takes a chance on him, but if it's my team, I'm not buying.

Why do you keep giving RSL a centre-back.  That is one of the last things that we need.  They are going to go for someone with speed on the wing, even if they are raw.  Excellent site and I appreciate it.

Your obviously someone who has the intelligence of a pubescant Jack ass who clearly lacks the knowledge of soccer talent.. This young athlete has proved himself through numerous victories with the University of Washington; while displaying team leadership and physical intensity..A true Pac 10 player and scholar.. My predictions are that George John will be noticed at a professional level and drafted in the second round for the Sounders FC.

I hope Steve O stays in school it be great for him and the school.  He needs an education thats why he came here for.

From what I have heard is that he has offers from europe and a Gen Adidas contract and he is just weighing his options right now and wondering what would be best for his life.  He wants to finish school, play pro soccer and get paid well so once he can get all three in an offer then im sure he will make his choice.  But this kid is a treat to watch and I really hope hes going to try the MLS

If Zakuani's older brother plays for Fulham FC and he holds a visa, why wouldn't he just make the move to Europe instead of staying in America? Do you think he will be offered a contract from somewhere overseas, and if so, would he accept it?

You can't be serious with that talk. Kassel is a good player but lacks the mature soccer knowledge to make any kind of impact right now in the pros. While on the other hand Zusi has the skill and speeded needed to add depth to any attacking roster. Also at Maryland, he gained the necessary exprience in every attacking position that will help him when he jumps to the pros.

i'd rather NY just sign Kassel to do what you said. Of all the Maryland players he is the most talented and has thr greatest upside.

I think Steve Z. is a very great player but sometimes he doesn't give 100 percent everytime.  He needs to learn to play hard everytime.  I saw him play against Northwestern he didn't give his all at all.  He just sat there after the game looking dumb.  He didn't show emotions at all.  He needs to go back to college one more year to learn a few things.

I get what you are saying Eugine, and im not confident with Zusi going to the Red Bulls... but I dont think we can put Zusi and Balc in the same boat, Balc had skills on the ball and was an effective NCAA player but he lacked a next level in speed which hinders a winger/striker and he also lacked heart on the field.  He was said to be lazy and just not willing to push himself.

Ive never read anything along those lines on Zusi at all, Cirovski wouldnt accept that at such a great program.

Prior to the 2008 draft, everyone was excited about Xavier Balc from Ohio State as an attacking mid prospect in MLS.  But where was he taken? 2nd pick of the Supplemental draft.

Red Bulls won't pick Zusi at 14.  It's just not possible to draft a credible attacking midfielder out of college, that position has to be brought in from abroad.

If the top 13 play out like this, I believe the Red Bulls will take Rodney Wallace or Sheanon Williams at 14 and go for outside backs.  I would prefer they take Williams.

good prospects from the MAAC conference this year... 2nd team All-American GK Milos Kocic from Loyola (MD) is a monster and no doubt ready to be a pro.  Junior All-American Tennant McVea should be a stud when he comes out as well.  Niagara University duo of Aussie F Matt Durand and D Bill Gustafson are solid prospects who have already impressed at the DC United combine along with Kocic.  M/F Chris DeBreau from St. Peter's also has potential as a pro and could be drafted.

Look out for Levi Tesch, Chris and Matt Uy, Phil Bannister, Anthony DiBiase, Jamie Darvill, Carl Haworth and Alan McGreal in the future

 George John is crap! I wouldnt be suprised if he doesnt get picked up at all... Not a good player, to slow on the ball and casual.

Watch for University of Washington Midfielder George John. Has as much upside as anyone in the draft. 6'4", extremely fast, and strong in the air. Hermann trophy candidate but missed the final five games or so due to injury. Look for him to impress at the Combine.

No draft profile for Wake Forest's Ike Opara? I feel like this kid will be a top 5 pick if he comes out this year.

Evan Bush is 22 - born in 1986, not in 1984.  Thought you'd want to correct the player bio.  Love this site!

It would be nice to draft O'Brian White, but how enthusiastic will he be on trying to rehab his knee on the plastic fantastic?  Drafting him is drafting a player for the following season, which isn't terrible because Julius James did squat this season.  Thing about ACL injuries is that this is the ligament that mainly stabilizes the knee.  If it was an MCL it wouldn't be too bad.

Good luck with the blog Sean

It's hard to disagree with these picks because I haven't had a chance to see all of them play. I did however, get a chance to see Richard Jata play this year and he's really good. He's a center midfielder, but I think he also plays a little forward too.  I've seen Cronin play a lot and he's really good at distributing the ball, but then again he plays on arguably the best D1 college soccer team ever. I've seen Yohance Marshall play twice, recently and he's very composed in the back, good speed and size too. I haven't seen Pontius or Gostmanov play and I only saw Bedoya and Grella once, but I think Jata might give MLS teams that goal scoring threat as well.
Look at this shot he hits with the outside of his foot.  It goes around the left side of the wall bends back to the near post. I've never seen a college player take a free kick with the outside of his foot and hit it that well.
Richard Jata Goal #1
Richard Jata Goal #2
 

I can't comment much on the players, since I only have heard a few names, but Cronin pick could be good for down the line, say in 2 years when Robbo is done.  If Mo can get OW with the 13th pick or early 2nd round, I think he would do it.