On January 12, Major League Soccer kicks off the 2012 season with the annual MLS SuperDraft. In its thirteenth year, the SuperDraft presents the 19 MLS clubs with a unique opportunity at signing young, collegiate-level signings, along with South American talent making their way over to Major League Soccer.
A lackluster 2011 draft saw Toronto drafting young fullback Demitrius Omphroy with their highest pick (2nd round, 26th overall), before gambling on a little Ecuadorian late on (49th overall), a player who Toronto FC supporters are now more than familiar with – Joao Plata. Though Toronto FC lacked a first round pick, the outcome of the 2011 draft was favourable to the Reds.
Toronto FC have done well in past drafts, snapping up long-time goalkeeper and fan-favourite Stefan Frei with a late, thirteenth-overall pick.
The 2012 edition of the SuperDraft presents Toronto FC with two first-round picks, going fourth and twelfth overall. This presents Toronto FC with a perfect opportunity to add solid depth to much-needed positions.
With a strong class of Generation Adidas players available, and Toronto holding on to the fourth overall pick, at least one of these players will be available for Aron Winter and crew. Here are four of, who I feel are, Toronto FC’s best options for the fourth pick overall in this year’s SuperDraft:
Andrew Wenger (Duke) – Defender/Midfielder
Who? The Draft’s Golden Child
Most likely the first or second overall pick in this years draft, Wenger comes from Duke with an impressive 17 goals and eight assists, and a potential starting spot in any lineup in this league. He’s a bit strange when it comes to footballers, however – earlier in 2011, I addressed a need for each player to know their position on the field; Wenger would be the biggest offender of any possible confusion. He is overly versatile, able to fit in almost every position in a 4-3-3, barring the goalkeeper, of course. Montreal will salivate at the chance to add a versatile player like Wenger.
As a Red? Probability – Low
There are many reasons why Wenger could be drafted first, and with an impressive résumé coupled with stellar recommendations across the league, Wenger is an impressive option indeed. However, Montreal needs to address key areas in the forward position which they have yet to figure out - Brian Ching stated he’ll be playing for Montreal, but if he has his way, he’d still like to be traded back to Houston, which leaves Montreal with Justin Braun and Miguel Montoño at forward. Vancouver need defensive help badly and will look for a commanding centerback, something that Wenger is not. As for the Revolution, Wenger is an enticing prospect but, should their management have eyes for someone else, Wenger may just fall into Toronto’s lap.
Darron Mattocks (Akron) - Forward
Who? The Speedy Goalscorer
He’s a striker’s striker, a pure goalscorer who, when given the ball, can make the net ruffle at least once per game. Scoring an impressive 39 goals in 47 games over two seasons at Akron, Mattocks is fast, strong and can play on the wings as well as at center-forward.
As a Red? Depends entirely on Montreal
Vancouver don’t need him, New England probably won’t draft him, and Montreal are desperate for someone like him. If the Impact passes him up, Toronto will be the next interested party. Mattocks fits Winter’s fast, independent winger type, able to cut in and score goals from the left-hand side. He’s projected as a possible #1 pick, something Toronto FC should consider should he fall down to fourth.
Kelyn Rowe (UCLA) - Midfielder
Who? Pac-12 Player of the Year, Seattle Sounders Love-Interest
Kelyn Rowe is your traditional attacking midfielder, the Number 10-type who sits right behind the forward line and simply creates. At 20-years-old, Rowe scored six goals and notched 10 assists for UCLA in 2011, getting himself an invite to the US U-23 camp as well. If there’s a team looking for a spark of creativity in the draft, Rowe is the best choice. Supposedly, Seattle Sounders fans are very keen on their local boy, Kelyn Rowe…
As a Red? Does Toronto Even Need Him?
A young, American international with a creative mindset, an attacking arsenal and a tangible assist tally makes for an interesting target in the draft. Rowe has the makings of a potential backup for Eric Avila or Ryan Johnson depending on the day. The question Toronto needs to ask, before picking Rowe up, is whether or not they need a player like him in the short-term.
There is a lesson to be learned from 2009’s draft – Omar Gonzales passed up for Sam Cronin. Rowe may be the Sam Cronin of this years draft, and with Toronto desperate for solid defenders, taking a gamble may not be worth it.
Chandler Hoffman (UCLA) - Forward
Who? “The Next Chris Wondolowski”
Already being compared to one of MLS’ best forwards, Hoffman is a toss up, a player that only a few specific teams will be targeting. If he goes early, it’s because of a direct need for his type of player. An in-box presence with a goal poacher’s skillset, Hoffman may drop needlessly down to sixth or seventh overall simply because not every team is formatted to his position.
As a Red? The Most Likely
When making comparisons to the likes of Chris Wondolowski, Hoffman becomes the positional equivalent of Danny Koevermans. A young target-man (target-boy?) is a valuable addition to Toronto FC’s roster, a roster that has yet to find depth in every position. There is still an elephant in the locker room surrounding the age of both Torsten Frings and Danny Koevermans – long-term replacements should be sought out and worked into the roster as soon as possible!
Check back for the next installment where we look at TFC's 12th overall pick in the 2012 SuperDraft.
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