It's no secret that ratings for the MLS SuperDraft have never been high, and while those in soccer circles would love to see the draft rival those of the NBA and NFL, MLS has decided to think outside the box to attract viewers for this year's event. This year's MLS SuperDraft will not be televised on ESPN or any other network, but it will be streamed across the world on ESPN3, ESPNFC, MLSsoccer.com, YouTube.com and all club websites. That's right folks, you can watch this year's draft live on HoustonDynamo.com.
Some might consider the move minor league, but I think it's a brilliant idea. A 12 noon time slot was never going to attract hundres of thousands of viewers. But now, if you are at work or at home, you can turn on your computer and catch the draft, without missing a beat of your regular work day. And if you don't have time to catch the draft live, it will be archived on YouTube later in the day for your viewing pleasure.
Now on to MLSsoccer.com's mock draft following the first day of combine matches.
Click here for the full mock draft.
In the previous mock draft, Simon Borg predicted the Dynamo would take West Virginia defender Eric Schoenle. This time, Borg is giving the Dynamo CSU Bakersfield defender Korey Kindle.
Borg: Sensational athlete. Immediately leaves a mark when he comes into the match. His leaping ability makes him another dangerous aerial weapon for the Dynamo.
Jason Saghini also gave the Dynamo Schoenle in the first mock draft, but this time around he has selected Washington defender Dylan Tucker-Gangnes for Dominic Kinnear's squad.
Saghini: Looked strong in the air, which was expected. But he also looked quicker on the turn than I thought he'd be, and was confident in distribution. Don't see how Houston passes on him.
In his previous mock draft, Matt Doyle projected the Dynamo would take Georgetown defender. In this version, he sticks with a Georgetown defender, but he switches positions from left back (Jimmy Nealis) to center back (Tommy Muller).
Doyle: With Hainault out in Houston, center back is the biggest need and left back option can wait.
In this mock draft, all writers predicted the second round as well. Borg predicted the Dynamo would take Brown defender Eric Robertson. Saghini stayed on the defensive live and gave Houston Wake Forest defender Anthony Arena. Doyle believes the midfield could use a reinforcement and selects Louisville holding mid Paolo DelPiccolo for the Dynamo.
Borg: Dynamo add a tall defender (6-foot-3), who's quick on his feet and excellent in the air.
Saghini: The Dynamo get cover for central defense and left back, both of which are needs with their huge schedule this season.
Doyle: Holding mid is an area that could use some reinforcements and DelPiccolo will fit the Houston system well.
MLSsoccer.com writers are convinced the Dynamo will use their first pick (and maybe their second pick) on a defender. So what do you think? Would you like to see the Dynamo draft a defender or is there another position you would like to see drafted?
Be sure to follow http://www.mlssoccer.com/superdraft/2013/combine for the latest information about the MLS Combine and MLS SuperDraft.
