The New England Revolution excited fans and ruined predictions when it acquired the first overall pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for the fourth pick and allocation money. The move, which was made on the eve of the draft, will place all eyes on Head Coach Jay Heaps as he continues to forge a team in his image.
Since 2000, when the MLS draft became “super” by combing the College Draft and the Supplemental Draft, the number one pick has been traded four times (2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008).
In 2002, the Dallas Burn (later called FC Dallas) received the number one pick after giving up its spot in the Allocation and Dispersal Draft. The Burn would trade away their natural first round pick in 2004 so that DC United could choose 14-year-old sensation Freddy Adu. In 2006, Chivas USA Head Coach Bob Bradley proved that there were no hard feelings after his firing when he sent the first round pick to the New York MetroStars in return for defender Jason Hernandez and the fifth overall pick. Kansas City Wizards shipped out defender Nick Grarcia in 2008 and used the number one spot to choose Chance Myers.
The first pick in the draft is a coveted tool that many teams choose to keep in order to help build their team. With the number one pick comes power and attention as other teams will anxiously await the decision. The power is beneficial for teams because they have the opportunity to select their ideal player without any restrictions. The attention, however, can be dangerous as fans and pundits will eagerly try to label any pick as a “success” or “flop.”
And the number one pick has had their fair share of both.
In 2000, the MetroStars chose defender Steve Shak. Shak was U-23 US international who had excelled at UCLA and looked primed to make the jump to MLS. While Shak did play 32 games in two seasons in New York, he was then traded to the Colorado Rapids where he saw his playing time decrease. Shak found limited playing time abroad and with lower level American teams before retiring in 2009.
Not to be outdone, Nik Besagno, RSL’s number one pick in 2005, appeared eight times with his drafted club. After being cut, the midfielder spent some time in the lower divisions of American soccer. While Besagno is still playing soccer, he now focuses more on schooling. Besagno is best known for being the second youngest player to ever be drafted by an MLS team (he was 16).
Not all first round picks are jinxed, however, as proven by Alecko Eskandarian. The Armenian striker was chosen by DC United in 2003 and went on to score 30 goals in 125 MLS appearances. In 2004, Eskandarian helped the Red-and-Black win the MLS Cup by scoring two goals in a four minute span against the Kansas City Wizards. The two goals earned him the record of fastest pair of goals in MLS Cup history and the title of MLS Cup MVP. Eskandarian then struggled with concussion problems while being traded around the league and eventually retiring.
Eskandarian’s success is outshined by Maurice Edu who joined Toronto FC in 2007. The California native made an immediate impact with the club by starting 24 games and chipping in four goals en route to winning Rookie of the Year. Edu spent two seasons with the Reds before fetching a £2.6 million transfer from Scottish Premier League team Rangers. Edu has also been a mainstay with USMNT having made 42 appearances since 2007.
At Thursday’s SuperDraft, New England will hope to draft an “Edu” and avoid a “Besagno.” The pick becomes more important because the team actively sought out the number one pick which means that the Revs technical staff is confident that they have found their guy. While there will certainly be some leeway given that the college game is so much different from the professional game, picking a dud will be harmful to Heaps and the rest of the staff. Heaps is now in his sophomore year as head coach and it is important to that he shows fans that he is capable of finding and developing talent. This year’s SuperDraft, for which he had ample time to prepare, will serve as proof that Heaps is ready to lead the Revolution.
3 Picks for the Revs
Andrew Farrell, Louisville, D
Andrew Farrell is highly regarded as the top prospect in the SuperDraft. The Louisville standout impressed coaches at the combine with his toughness and athleticism. It is unlikely that the Revs would have had the opportunity to take Farrell with the No. 4 pick so it makes sense that they have decided to trade up. If selected, Farrell could play in the middle of the defense or slot in on the right side. Farrell could contribute immediately while providing the Revs with defensive stability for many years to come.
Eriq Zavaleta, Indiana, F/D, GA
Eriq Zavaleta is a bit of an enigma to MLS coaches as he can play forward and centerback. The Hoosier didn’t standout at the Combine but he was able to record an assist. Zavaleta would be a welcome addition to a frontline that only scored 39 goals in 2012 or a backline that let in 44. If selected, Heaps would have to settle on a spot for the former Indiana man.
Carlos Alvarez, UConn, M
The only player that the Revolution knew wouldn’t be available to them if they didn’t move was Carlos Alvarez. Chivas USA Head Coach Chelis made his interest in the attacking midfielder very well-known which could have prompted Heaps’ decision to move up in the draft. Alvarez scored a goal at the Combine while showing off his dribbling and passing skills. If selected, Alvarez would join an already loaded midfielder which would allow him to time to develop. When ready, Heaps could insert him into the lineup which would make a more expensive player, like Juan Toja, expendable.
(image courtesy of pdl.uslsoccer.com)
