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Soccer Goals: After spending four shivering cold days in Fort Lauderdale, compiling draft bios, evaluating team's draft, and writing a very thorough draft article, I lost my document in the internet fray. Poof, it's gone. Oh well, with that in mind, though, I will offer my post grades in a more concentrated form.

 

Soccer videos: 2010 MLS Draft Combine Reactions

 

 

Wheeling and dealing before the draft, the Philadelphia Union picked up two additional first round picks that allowed the team to nab not only the top forward but future depth that should contribute and potentially yield European ROI if they develop. Although it was not highway robbery, it was pretty close, witnessing a draft picks of forward Danny Mwanga, Amobi Okugo, Jack McInerney, and Toni Stahl which transpired onyl within the first 17 picks.

 

The Chicago Fire, New York Red Bulls, and San Jose gave their best college hooray but fell short to a Philly draft that could be considered the best draft since its inception. With out further Adu, Soccer Addict News presents the 2010 MLS Superdraft Team Grades.

 

Philadelphia Union (A++)

After the Seattle Sounders' inaugural season which witnessed astute international acquistions, free agency movement, and frenzy supporters group that produced the best attendance in MLS, the Philadelphia Union would have to make their mark in other capacities not to be overshadowed, one being the draft where they bolstered an already solid player base.

 

Forward Danny Mwanga (Oregon St.) is considered to be a starter within the first season, an attacker that boasts speed, skill, and soccer acumen in bunches, who also disregarded offers from several top flight French teams. The 2010 MLS combine MVP, Amobi Okugo, demonstrated that his skill, physical tools, and soccer cerebrum could bring forth a top level professional that will eventually receive European interest. Considered a more long-term prospect, striker Jack McInerney boasts loads of skill, while comparing evenly to the combine players who were more seasoned and physically developed.

 

Defensive midfielder, Toni Stahl, considered a top 10 prospect and dropped to the Son's of Ben in the second round, a player that could slot in the starting position from day one. Benefiting from a strong class and draft moves based on need, play maker Kyle Nakazawa was reunited with assistant coach John Hackworth from his days at the U-17 coaching ranks. U-20 standout, Brian Perk, concluded their wonder draft in the fourth round, a keeper who will be able to develop and mature at his own pace.

 

Value, depth, and potential investment would best describe the Union draft. If either of their first round selections transfer to Europe their draft will be deemed a success.

 

Chicago Fire (A+)

A little bit of luck and fortune rolled their way, when playmaker Corben Bone fell to the Fire at the 13th spot. Nabbing the second best central defender Kwame Watson-Siriboe and active midfielder Drew Yates (a similar player to Sacha Kljestan) in the second round screams steal, along the lines of internet fraud. Keeper Sean Johnson arrives at the Windy City as a salary cap exemption and provides immense upside. Their draft contained value galore and would have earned the top draft grade if it were not for the Union.

 

New York Red Bulls (A)

With a new GM and foreign coach, it became apparent that the NYRB have begun their focus on the highly technical player. Man-child midfielder, Tony Tchani, impressed both in the College Cup and combine increasing his draft value. Chants of Tony were heard after his selection from the ESC. His skill set, athleticism, and soccer IQ embrace what every MLS team looks for in the draft and should allow him to slot into the central midfield as a starter.

 

Impressing both in the College Cup and draft, the NYRB landed the best left foot in the combine, Austin Da Luz, who can create from both a wing and central position. Many Red Bull supporters hope to erase the memories of turnover-prone left-footed creator,  Jorge Rojas.  Central defender Tim Ream confirms that NYRB are transitioning to a more technical style with his selection. Add dynamic speedster Irving Garcia, a potential darkhorse, to the mix, and Red Bull fan can anticipate an exciting and improved upcoming season.

 

San Jose Earthquakes (A-)

Adressing need and obtaining value is a difficult task but San Jose achieved both in their first two rounds. Defender Ike Opara fell into their lap at the third spot and should be a starter from day one, especially with Jason Hernandez' future in doubt after multiple injuries. High flying and skillful left back prospect, Justin Morrow, impressed during the combine, proving that his defense is solid while his ample attacking skills should translate to the next level. Although not as polished as Kevin Alston, the Notre Dame defender could become a draft steal, boasting similar potential to the bouncy haired Rev right back.

 

Leaving many scratching their head, San Jose selected the first non combine invitee, Steven Beitashour, in the second round but redeemed themselves in the third round with forward Andrew Hoaxie (think Nate Jacqua 2.0).

 

FC Dallas (B+)

Trading off their sixth pick to the Union for $150,000 allocation dollar could have lowered their grade but FC Dallas recovered well with value picks in the later rounds. Polished and versatile defender Zach Loyd can fill multiple positions while boasting deceptive speed, good skill, and a professional work ethic. Forward Andrew Wiedeman will be reunited with best friend defender Kyle Davis. Although his stock fell after the combine, his second round selection produced great value, as he has been compared to Taylor Twellman. Both Jason Yeisley and Eric Alexander were late round steals considering their upside.

 

Let's not forget that the allocation money acquired will allow the Hoops to secure play maker Lee Nguyen further bolstering their attacking options. Loyd and new Ghana defender Ansah will further solidfy a porous defense that improved immensely in the second half of the season.

 

Real Salt Lake (B)

While the 2009 MLS Champions trade away Clint Mathis to LA Galaxy, the Lakers landed the best pure winger Collen Warner, who could become a starter and give Coach Kreis an added dimension in attack. Left back Justin Davis boasts a technical side that should mesh well with RSL's fluid passing game. Nabbing the third best center back, Chris Schuler in the third round solidifies a strong draft to an already deep squad. Despite the departure of forward Yura Movsisyan, RSL brings back young prospects Raphael Cox, Alex Nimo, and Jean Alexandre to further bolster their depth.

 

Kansas City Wizards (B-)

Changing strategy from acquiring aging South American stars and prospects should receive their fair share of recognition, as I have stated that the Wizards need more team speed especially at the forward position. Forward Teal Burnbury fits this bill, adding this extra dimension his rookie seaso, while boasting speed, size, skill but suspect finishing. Since Kei Kamara and Josh Wolff create a more athletic and dynamic forward pairing than previous duos, the Wizards seem to be moving in the right direction on this front.

Left back defender Olukorede Aiyegbusi packs a big punch despite his 5'5 frame, proving to be a top-two wing back prospect. His electric runs and tenacious play wreaked havoc on the left flank during the combine. Picking up towering center back Nick Cardenas and right back Ofori Sarkodie in the later rounds suggests value, but when will the Wizards part ways with their glut of youthful wing backs?

 

Colorado Rapids (C+)

Without a first round selection, the Colorado Rapids addressed several needs in forward Andre Akpan and defensive midfielder Ross LaBeaux. That being said, I would have not passed on Justin Morrow in the second round which subsequently lowered their grade a bit. With several key players set to return after injury, the Rapids should field a strong team next season.

 

LA Galaxy (C)

Landing Clint Mathis and Michael Stephens proved sufficient for Coach Bruce Arena as he recently acquired three Brazilian prospects, hoping to fine tune the Galacticos into 2010 MLS Champs.

 

Chivas USA (C)

Deep lying playmaker, Blair Gavin, fills depth and need position now that Paolo Nagamura is on loan at Mexican club Tigres. Gavin's game resembles that of Claudio Reyna in the fact that he jump starts attacks from a deep position, while maintaining a fluid possession game with his movement and quick passing.

 

Columbus Crew (C-)

Many experts and observers highly criticized the Crew draft for the first round selection of forward Bright Dike. Although his finishing was poor during the college season and combine, his strength, speed and athleticism convinced the Crew to risk this pick on the 6'2 and 221 pound target forward. Will the reward exceed the risk? Play maker Dilly Duka will be allowed to develop gradually in the Yellow and Black system.

 

Late round selections, defender Kwaku Nyameke and clever central midfielder Othaniel Nanez, could make the team if their combine performances match the intensity at the pro level.

 

New England Revolution (D)

Forward Zach Schilawaski fills a need at forward, as his preference for Wake Forest prospects is well documented. Passing on Corben Bone in the following seasons could be painful to watch, if the Wake Forest play maker thrives in the Windy City. Who will become Coach Nicol's diamond in the rough? Left back Seth Sinovic could replace retired Jay Heaps, while Zach Boggs could project into a sleeper pick.

 

DC United (D+)

Curt Onalfo acquired the coveted goal keeper in Troy Perkins but gave up allocation money, Fred, and the seventh pick in the 2010 MLS draft. On a positive note, they signed El Salvador playmaker, Christian Castillo, and Australian forward Danny Allsop in free agency.

 

Seattle Sounders (D)

Reaching for David Estrada suggests that Coach Sigi Schmid really valued his ability, but the Sounders could have traded down on this pick. Villanova midfielder Mike Seamon provided a stellar combine performance and should make the squad. However, the Sounder's draft era has started dissappointingly, excluding the selection of Steve Zakuani. When will the Green and Blue construct a marvelous draft?

 

Houston Dynamo (D)

Coach Kinnear prefers to acquire MLS ready players via trades. Drafting Euan Holden could bear fruit if he decides to settle in with MLS. Forward David Walker could make the squad if he perfoms well in training camp. Forward Dominic Oduro should be included in this year's draft as he has improved under the Dynamo tutelage and was acquired via NYRB.

 

Toronto FC (D-)

Drafting for the future in defender Zachary Herald will pay dividends in the long term. TFC's  best acquisition could resonate from Coach Preki.

 

Who do you believe will stand out in the short term? Who will be the steal of the draft? Are you happy with your team's draft? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: 2010 MLS Superdraft Team Grades - The Union steal the show and draft

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