Pick

Team

Gary Moody

Rudy Roediger

1

Darren Mattocks – F
6-0, 165
Portmore, Jamaica
Akron (GA)

The University of Akron won't have a record year in the SuperDraft in 2012, but they will provide MLS with a player worthy of the #1 overall pick. Mattocks is a pure striker with blazing speed that does one thing extremely well: scoring goals. Reminds us of Roy Lassiter, who holds the MLS record for goals scored in a season with 27.

A member of the Jamaican U-23 player pool & a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Mattocks scored 39 goals in 47 matches for the University of Akron. He was named Mid-American Conference Player of the Year this season after scoring 21 goals. He helped lead Akron to the NCAA College Cup Championship in 2010.

Andrew Wenger – D/M
6-0, 185
Lititz, Pa.
Duke (GA)

This year’s expansion Impact needs a forward, but the talk from some sources is that they might look outside the SuperDraft.

Brian Ching may force a trade back to Houston or decide to retire so the expansion Impact will look for a player to fill several roles and that can start right away.

Wenger was the Herman Trophy winner, First Team All-American, ACC Offensive Player of the Year as a forward – he fits the need. What makes the 6-foot Generation adidas signee a top pick is his ability to play anywhere on the pitch and be a starter.

In his freshman year, he was chosen first team All-ACC and ACC Freshman of the Year.  As a sophomore, Wenger earned first team All-ACC and Defensive Player of the Year, as well first team All-America honors and was the only sophomore on the first team.  As a junior, he was named NSCAA First Team All-American as he transitioned into a striker, leading the team and the ACC in scoring (17 goals, 8 assists).

2

Andrew Wenger – D/M
6-0, 185
Lititz, Pa.
Duke (GA)

Wenger is probably the most versatile player in the entire draft. He can play virtually anywhere on the field and is a coaches' dream.

A MAC Hermann Trophy Finalist, Wenger led the ACC with 17 goals this season, earning the 2011 ACC Offensive Player of the Year distinction. Wenger earned All-ACC First Team honors in each of his three seasons while also collecting ACC Rookie of the Year in 2009 and ACC Defender of the Year in 2010. Wenger is the first player from Duke to earn a Generation adidas contract.

Kelyn Rowe – M
5-8, 150
Federal Way, Wash.
UCLA (GA)

The second year Whitecaps have needs! They scored a league low 35 goals in 2011 so Mattocks could be a good selection. However Camilo Sanvenzzo and Eric Hassli combined for 23 of the Whitecaps goals and both return.  The Impact was also just one of three teams to allow 55 goals in 34 games.

So based on needs alone, the best choice for Montreal is Rowe, an assist machine who left the Player Combine to join the U.S. U-23 national team camp. While a bit raw Rowe already had a humbling moment as a sophomore as he was sent to the bench.

This maturity and ability will booster Martin Rennie’s idea of a team that attacks, but can also possess and he helps the Whitecaps by being a GA. He will also make the aforementioned Sanvenzzo and Hassli even more dangerous.

Rowe earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors after scoring six goals and contributing 10 assists while leading UCLA to the NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinals.  Rowe was recently earned his second invite to the US U-23 training camp after having been a fixture at the U-18 and U-20 levels.

3

Enzo Martinez – M
5-7, 145
Rock Hill, S.C.
UNC/GA

Martinez is a special player and will be the first off the board for the champion Tar Heels. Unlike teammate Billy Schuler, Martinez passed on overseas offers and will be a star for a Revs squad that has lacked playmakers recently.

Best when deployed in the middle of the park, Martinez is another player who fits the bill of a classic No. 10. A clean player with the ball at his feet, he sparked North Carolina’s attack with nine goals and 10 assists, finishing with 22 goals and 20 assists during three years at UNC.

Darren Mattocks – F
6-0, 165
Portmore, Jamaica
Akron (GA)

Mattocks falls to New England, not because of a lack of talent .. he is a first overall talent .. it's just how the draft works and because a speedy forward who scored a lot of goals in college does not always translate at the MLS level and due to the needs and possible internal issues with players he is the surprise of 2012.

Mattocks have been criticized by some staff for needing a lot of chances to score his load of goals. He did excel in college and by scoring 20 or more goals at the Division I level means he is no slouch.

He has also performed very well at the Player Combine showing his scoring and playmaking ability are no smoke and mirror for U.S. U-23 National Team and Akron Head Coach Caleb Porter.

Having two excellent passers in Joseph and Feilhaber to work for, Mattocks will succeed and Jay Heaps will be delighted the Zip fell into his lap.

4

Luis Silva – M
5-11, 163
Los Angeles, Calif.
UCSB

There is no defender other than Wenger worthy of this high pick. Toronto will look for defense in the second round and get a playmaker in Silva here.

Toronto hasn't been the same without DeRo and Silva should make an early impact for uneasy TFC fans.

A 2011 NSCAA First Team All-American, Silva also earned All-Big West First Team honors and Big West Midfielder of the Year honors for his play in 2011. He was third in NCAA Division I in points after scoring 17 goals and adding 10 assists. Silva was a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy.

Chandler Hoffman – F
6-0, 160
Birmingham, Ala.
UCLA

Centerback is the need, but TFC needs to continue to build on their “total football” approach and Wenger is the only defender worthy of a top 10 selection.
Toronto can’t pass on a natural-born goal scorer; Hoffman resembles Man United’s Chicharito confirmed by his first half hat trick in the Combine.

2011 Hermann Trophy Semifinalist tied for fourth in Division I in goals (18) and points (42) earning Soccer America First Team All-American, NSCAA Division I Third Team All-American, and First Team All-Pac-12.

5

Chandler Hoffman – F
6-0, 160
Birmingham, Ala.
UCLA (GA)

Chivas USA has never gotten over the loss of Sacha Kljestan, but they have a glaring need at the forward position. Alejandro Moreno and Juan Pablo Angel aren't getting any younger and the Goats already have to replace Justin Braun and Chukwudi Chujindu.

Hoffman led the Bruins to the 2011 NCAA Men’s College Cup Semifinals. He scored 18 goals in 2011, ranking first on his squad, first in the Pac-12, and fourth nationally.

Hoffman was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team this season and a Third Team NSCAA All-American.

Nick DeLeon – M
5-10, 170
Phoenix, Ariz.
Louisville

Chivas could use help in several areas, they lost Justin Braun and while they have already added a trio in midfield in the off-season Robin Fraser adds more quality and versatility. DeLeon can play out wide or as a second forward will do well providing Juan Pablo Angel and Alejandro Moreno.

The Phoenix, Ariz., native scored 14 goals in two seasons for Louisville to go along with nine assists. He spent his first two seasons at UNLV where he was a part-time starter.

6

Nick DeLeon – M
5-10, 170
Phoenix, Ariz.
Louisville

The Quakes have the one and only Chris Wondolowski, but a player like DeLeon makes their prolific goalscorer even better. Whether he plays as a outside mid or a withdrawn forward, DeLeon will create opportunities for others and score goals.

DeLeon started every game since joining Louisville in 2009. This season he ranked second on the team in scoring with six goals and six assists. He was named a first team All-Big East selection for the second straight year.

He earned second-team All-MPSF honors in his freshman year at UNLV and All-MPSF honorable mention honors his sophomore year before transferring to Louisville.

Enzo Martinez – M
5-7, 145
Rock Hill, S.C.
North Carolina (GA)

Even with Chris Wondolowski and Steven Lenhart as front runners the Quakes have struggled in midfield after Geovanni left in 2010. 

Frank Yallop needs a playmaker to make the combo even better and Martinez is their man.

A dynamic attacking threat who can play in the middle or on the left flank Martinez will help San Jose’s strike force. The Rock Hill, S.C., native scored nine goals to go along with 11 assists earning NSCAA First Team All-American for the National Champion Tar Heels in 2011.

7

Kelyn Rowe – M
5-8, 150
Federal Way, Wash.
UCLA (GA)

Rowe will make the aforementioned DeRo even more dangerous. He is an assist machine and has experience working with talented strikers, i.e. Chandler Hoffman.

Rowe earned Pac-12 Player of the Year honors after scoring six goals and contributing 10 assists while leading UCLA to the NCAA Men’s College Cup semifinals.

Rowe was recently earned his second invite to the US U-23 training camp after having been a fixture at the U-18 and U-20 levels.

Ethan Finlay - F
5-9, 160
Marshfield, Wis.
Creighton

An upgrade at left back and target forward have to be the first things addressed by Olsen with the Red & Black's only pick.

Olson has options to fill these needs with a pair of Creighton Bluejays and Generation adidas signings, Tyler Polak a left back and Finlay a versatile attacker who can play up front or on the wings and contribute right away.

A Hermann Trophy finalist, Finlay can contribute right away and his work ethic matches his ability to play several positions make him a great fit.

The Marshfield, Wis., native finished his collegiate career fifth all-time at Creighton with 43 goals and 103 points. His 14 goals and six assists in 2011 earned Finlay his second straight Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year and his first NSCAA First Team All-American selection.

8

Matt Hedges – D
6-4, 185
Carmel, Ind.
UNC

The Timbers need defenders and this Tar Heel is MLS-ready. Hedges could be a starter on the Portland backline in Week 1.

Not sure if he would go this high in other years, but this draft is absolutely stacked with mids and forwards. Not so much with defenders and keepers.

Callum Mallace – M
6-2, 175
Torphichen, Scotland
Marquette

Most have the Timbers selecting a center back to boost depth but the tough, spirited, no-nonsense midfielder can be Jack Jewsbury’s double.

The Big East Midfielder of the Year is an intimidating holding midfielder who can cover ground and will added to an already tall squad that features a dozen players at least 6-foot-1.

John Spencer will disappoint the Fire by selecting the duel citizen that played for their Chicago Fire PDL and Super-20 teams.  

9

Casey Townsend – F
5-11, 161
Traverse City, Mich.
Maryland

The Fire could use some help up top and Townsend is the answer. Some might see South Florida's Dom Dwyer going here, but Chicago already has players in that mold in Patrick Nyarko and Dominic Oduro. Townsend will score a handful of goals in 2012.

A MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, Townsend garnered First Team All-ACC honors for the second straight year. He was one of the country's top goal-scorers in 2011, producing 17 goals as a captain for the Terrapins, and ended his collegiate career as Maryland’s third-leading goalscorer all-time.

Tyler Polak – D
5-8, 150
Lincoln, Neb.
Creighton (GA)

While the Timbers selected Fire PDL member Callum Mallace, Frank Klopas signed box-to-box Columbian midfielder Rafael Robayo and forward Kheli Dube from the Revolution.

Those additions and the need to fill the all important left back position makes the 2009 U.S. U-17 FIFA World Cup starter a smart choice by Klapas.

The Fire add one of their own, who was a member of the Fire Premier in 2011 and is a left back for the future.

As just a sophomore he played every minute for the U-17 national team in CONCACAF qualifying and at the U-17 World Cup in 2009. A member of the U.S. U-20 national team pool.

10

Sam Garza – F
5-11, 160
Highland Village, Texas
UCSB (GA)

This looked like an easy pick a week ago, but the Crew have been busy bringing in new players like Chilean midfielder Milovan Mirosevic and Costa Rican forward Olman Vargas. Not to mention a DP signing sometime in 2012!

While the Crew will be the league's most improved team in 2012, a player like Sam Garza is still hard to pass up. The Crew get a great value even at #10.

With UCSB, Garza contributed 17 goals and 10 assists, and was named Big West Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team in 2010.

While at the University of Denver, he was named the 2008 Mountain Pacific Sports Federation Newcomer of the Year before transferring to UC Santa Barbara. Garza competed in U-20 World Cup qualifying for the U.S. in 2009.

Sam Garza – F
5-11, 160
Highland Village, Texas
UCSB (GA)

Last year the Crew was poor in the attack. They lacked creativity and finishing prowess, except Andres Mendoza, who was released by the club and rightfully so.

After a week of solid international signings, midfielder Milovan Miirosevic and forward Olmar Vargas and a pending DP announcement that many expect to be an attacker, the most improved team in 2012 will look to add depth.

The Black & Gold find a solid versatile attacking player that can fill multiple needs. He offers depth at forward along with out on the wing.  

Garza contributed 17 goals and 10 assists in two years with UCSB and was named Big West Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Year and All-Big West First Team in 2010. He also appeared in CONCACAF qualifying with U.S. U-20 national team in 2009.

11

Dom Dwyer – F
5-9, 180
London, England
USF (GA)

Putting Dwyer on the field with David Ferreira and Brek Shea should give opposing coaches nightmares. Speed kills and Dwyer is one of the fastest players in the college game.

As a forward, Dwyer scored a number of his goals this season, 16 in all, ¬ by poaching tallies in a variety of ways. He developed an uncanny ability to get in behind defenses, making it a long day for opposing keepers.

Austin Berry – D
6-2, 180
Cincinnati, Ohio
Louisville

FC Dallas picked in the first found of every MLS draft dating back to the very first College Draft in 1996 and expectations are high to make their only selection in 2012 count.

The recent picks of Brek Shea, Zach Loyd, and Bobby Warshaw are proof the FCD staff can find talent no matter the number of pick.

Dallas already added youthful Columbian Hernan Pertúz to their back line but Hyndman takes the best athlete available among the center backs in the draft and as FCD has already shown through Loyd, athleticism makes the transition to the MLS much easier.

The 2010 Big East Defender of the Year was granted a medical redshirt after a 2009 season–ending injury Berry has seen action in 95 collegiate games. He scored a career-high five goals in 2010 – 11 career to go along with five assists.

12

Austin Berry – D
6-2, 180
Cincinnati, Ohio
Louisville

Berry had a solid performance in Day 1 and 2 at the Combine and now finds himself just above UConn defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste.

The former Cardinal could be an immediate starter, helping to shore up a shaky Toronto backline in front of Stefan Frei.

Andrew Jean-Baptiste – D
6-2, 205
Brentwood, N.Y.
UConn (GA)

Aron Winter headed to the Combine with a specific need in mind: defense. After picking a dynamic goal scorer with the No. 4 pick, center back is still their biggest need after losing Adrian Cann and Dicoy Williams in 2011 and their return dates still uncertain.

 
A Generation adidas product and Big East Defensive Player of the Year Jean-Baptiste can fill that need and Winter will be happy to see him drop to 12.

13

Andrew Jean-Baptiste – D
6-2, 205
Brentwood, N.Y.
UConn (GA)

The Union are loaded at forward, midfield, and keeper. So they look to the UConn defender, who has size and strength. He is a bit of a project, but Philly has time and with that Jean-Baptiste may develop into an All-Star.

Signed after his sophomore season at UConn, the 2011 Big East Conference player of year scored two goals from his defensive position this season. Jean-Baptiste was also a member of the U.S. U-20 National Team as well.

Chris Estridge
5-11, 160
Indianapolis, Ind.  
Indiana

The Union have already address a lot with their off-season singings, but need depth in the back especially with the possibility of Sheanon Williams going to the Olympics.

Estridge is a two-footed back who can play on either flank. While he has not enjoyed a great Combine his versatility will make Peter Nowak very happy.
Played his final two seasons for IU after two seasons with Wake Forest. Earned First Team NSCAA All-American and First Team All-Big Ten in 2011 starting 22 matches while scoring three goals and providing five assists.

14

Jason Banton – M
6-0, 172
Tottenham, England
Leicester City (YIN)

The Rapids could certainly benefit from the versatile and speedy 19-year-old.

Banton could replace the departed Sanna Nyassi or be the long-term replacement for Conor Casey, who is not getting any younger. Banton will be much more successful than last year's UK publicity stunt named John Rooney.

Gienir Garcia – D
6-0, 152
Zacatepec, Morelos
Cruz Azul Hidalgo

The Rapids need to rejuvenate their midfield with some youth and creativity. Despite the resigning of Hunter Freeman the biggest need is at left back with the often injured Anthony Wallace the other option.

Garcia who featured for the Mexican U-20 national team is a savvy and intriguing left back who whips balls into the box. Garcia fits the Rapids' needs and they do have the international spots to make this move.

15

Lucky Mkosena – F
5-9, 169
Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
Dartmouth

With Steve Zakuani and O' Brian White coming back from injury, the Sounders would be lucky to have Mkosena for depth. We think the Dartmouth frontman could be this year's C.J. Sapong.
 

Dom Dwyer
5-9, 180
London, England
UCLA (GA)

The Sounders have several dynamic attacking players but the loss of Nate Jaqua to retirement could have Sigi Schmid thinking of bringing 6-foot-3 Babayele Sodade to CenturyLink Field.

The two-time MLS Cup Championship coach will be delighted to have the fastest player in the draft fall to 15.

Dwyer a Generation adidas signing will stretch the field for the Sounders. A dangerous attacking player, who needs to get better at finishing his chances, will join fellow Londoner Steve Zakuani in the Emerald City.

16

Callum Mallace – M
6-2, 175
Torphichen, Scotland
Marquette

Mallace's stock has risen because of the combine. He would certainly give SKC a no-nonsense upgrade at the holding mid position.

Aldo Paniagua – M
6-0, 183
Independencia, Paraguay
General Caballero ZC (YI)

With plenty of International spots open and a solid base, Vermes will be delighted by Paniagua’s ability to offer coverage at several places in midfield or at right back.

Played for Paraguay U-20 national team in the 2009 FIFA U-20 World Cup. Paniagua has the body for the MLS and he offers much more experience than the collegiate options.

17

Tony Cascio – M/F
5-11, 165
Gilbert, Ariz.
UConn

RSL needs midfield depth after losing Andy Williams and Collen Warner. Cascio fills a need and could move up top as needed.

Cascio entered the 2011 season as a Preseason All-American and a member of the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List, after being named an NSCAA First Team All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year in 2010.

He was named to the 2011 All-Big East Second Team this season after being named to the first team in 2009 and 2010.

Tony Cascio – M/F
5-11, 165
Gilbert, Ariz.
UConn

Utah’s side has seen a lot of player movement in the offseason – all nine have moved way from Rio Tinto Stadium.

After the retirement of Andy Williams and the departure of Collen Warner, Cascio falls into the lap of Jason Kreis, who attempted to claim the him as a Homegrown Player. Cacio is a perfect, long-term replacement for Andy Williams.

After a standout First Team NSCAA All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year 2010 Cascio’s 2011 season only yielded five goals and eight assists.

18

Kirk Urso – M
5-11, 175
Lombard, Ill.
UNC

Some consider Urso to be the best defensive mid in the draft. It will be a banner year for the Tar Heels, who see players turn into professionals in MLS and Europe.

Hunter Jumper – D
6-2, 175
Plano, Texas
Virginia

Houston adds much-need depth at left back where converted midfielder Corey Ashe mans the position with a Texan.

Jumper is potentially MLS ready and has played a variety of positions for UVA during his 79 starts, his 6-foot-2 frame will be an added bonus to a backline that averages below 6-foot.

In 2009 the Plano, Texas, native started all 24 matches during the Cavaliers sixth NCAA Championship.
In that championship Jumper played against Dynamo’s Kofi Sarkodie.  

19

Tyler Polak – D
5-8, 150
Lincoln, Neb.
Creighton (GA)

A late addition to an already impressive GA class, Polak could help fill in on the backline after the devastating injury to Omar Gonzalez in Germany.

In two seasons at Creighton, Polak started every game he played in, making total of 44 appearances and playing a shade less than 4,000 minutes.

Polak picked up 35 caps for the U.S. Under-17 squad including playing every minute of the 2009 U-17 World Cup campaign at left back.

Luis Silva – M
5-11, 163
Los Angeles, Calif.
UCSB

The 2011 MLS Cup Champions have secured six new faces to boost their roster in the off-season and Silva will be a welcomed addition.

One of the top attacking midfielders in the draft. A duel citizen between Mexico and the U.S., Silva finished his UCSB career tied for sixth all-time in goals (28); fourth in points (79).

Silva’s class and abilities will open more chances for the returning David Beckham.