Get Ready for the 2018 MLS SuperDraft

We’re days from preseason and just weeks away from the start of the 2018 MLS season, and there is plenty of roster construction still to be done. On Friday, MLS will host its 19^th annual SuperDraft in Philadelphia, PA at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in conjunction with the United Soccer Coaches convention. You can watch the first two rounds unfold starting at 11:00 a.m. ET at mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2018

Overview

In contrast to the league’s other various player acquisition methods and drafts, the SuperDraft very closely resembles that of any other American professional sports draft. The player pool primarily consists of players who have just recently finished their NCAA career or players who have decided to forego their college eligibility to become professionals. Clubs select players over the course of four rounds with the selection order determined by the previous season’s performance/finish, with the exception of expansion clubs receiving the top picks – this year LAFC will make the first selection. The first two rounds will be held in Philadelphia on Jan. 19, while the third and fourth rounds will be held via conference call on Jan. 21.

All 23 teams with participate in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft and all picks are transferable, hence why there are some rounds where a club holds multiple picks and others where they may have none (Teams can trade picks for players, allocation money, etc.).

Prior to the SuperDraft, a select number of elite prospects were invited to participate in the MLS Combine which offered an opportunity for players to showcase their skill and raise their draft stock while allowing coaches and technical staff a chance to evaluate the field. This year’s combine will took place in Orlando, FL at Orlando City Stadium between Jan. 11 and Jan. 17.

The initial invite list announced on Dec. 21 included 60 players collectively chosen by a committee of MLS coaches and NCAA Division I coaches from every conference. Further invitees included Generation adidas signings, non-collegiate players, and additional college seniors. All players were divided into four separate teams to compete in matches over the course of the combine, you can read the experts' review here. But the available player pool for the SuperDraft doesn't halt at the combine invitees, you can see the full list of all 220 eligible players here.

Now with a better idea of who they want to acquire, clubs will gather their notes, discuss and make their final decisions when they're on the clock on Friday. Keep up with the draft order, selections, analysis and watch the 2018 MLS SuperDraft LIVE at mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2018.

SuperDraft History

Just like any other sport, being drafted does not guarantee a contract, let alone receiving playing time for the first team. However, recent MLS SuperDraft history has demonstrated that the top prospects can make a significant impact if provided the opportunity including last year’s MLS Rookie of the Year, Julian Gressel selected 8^th overall by Atlanta United.

Notable recent MLS SuperDraft selections:

• (2014) Andre Blake, GK – Philadelphia Union
• (2014) Steve Birnbaum, D – D.C. United
• (2015) Cyle Larin, FWD – Orlando City SC
• (2015) Khiry Shelton, FWD – New York City FC
• (2016) Jack Harrison, FWD – New York City FC
• (2016) Keegan Rosenberry, D – Philadelphia Union
• (2017) Abu Danladi, FWD – Minnesota United
• (2017) Julian Gressel, MID – Atlanta United FC

Atlanta United’s first SuperDraft in 2017:
Round 1

• 2^nd overall – Miles Robinson, D – Syracuse University
• 8^th overall – Julian Gressel, MID – Providence College

Round 2

• No Selections

Round 3

• 46^th overall – Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu, MID – Harvard University

Round 4

• 68^th overall – Alex Kapp, GK – Creighton University

Atlanta United has retained the majority of their 2017 draft class, so it will be interesting to see who they decide to select this year in Philadelphia. And with their USL side ATL UTD 2 taking the field in 2018, the club will have more opportunity and flexibility for their draft selections to develop. So make sure to tune in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 19 LIVE at mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2018 and follow ATLUTD on social media for all your Atlanta United updates.