VANCOUVER, BC – Two down, two to go.
After Vancouver Whitecaps FC picked up three players in the first two rounds of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, the third and fourth rounds will be held today at 11 a.m. PT via conference call.
Follow Whitecaps FC on Twitter and MLSsoccer.com’s draft tracker for all the latest news.
The ‘Caps have one third-round pick and two fourth-rounders.
<strong>PICK</strong> |
<strong>ROUND</strong> |
<strong>HOW ACQUIRED</strong> |
<p align="center">50th</p> |
<p align="center">3</p> |
<p align="center">From Toronto for Robert Earnshaw’s discovery rights (Feb. 2013)</p> |
<p align="center">71st</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<p align="center">From New England in exchange for Daigo Kobayashi (Feb. 2014)</p> |
<p align="center">77th</p> |
<p align="center">4</p> |
<p align="center">Natural</p> |
Finding future MLS players at this stage of the draft is rare, but not unheard of.
San Jose Earthquakes striker Chris Wondolowski, Chicago Fire goalkeeper Sean Johnson and former Houston Dynamo striker Brian Ching are all examples of players who have been selected after the second round. Whitecaps FC defender Jordan Harvey is another one.
While it has been less common in recent years, we’re now seeing more and more clubs use their later SuperDraft selections to bolster their United Soccer League (USL) sides.
For example, Whitecaps FC selected goalkeeper Spencer Richey in the third round (61st overall) of last year’s SuperDraft. Richey started a team-high 12 matches for WFC2 this past season and recorded two of the team’s three clean sheets.
WFC2 defender/midfielder Will Seymore was also drafted in the third round of last year’s SuperDraft – he went 56th overall to FC Dallas.
So who might the ‘Caps select on Tuesday?
Here are the top 10 players still available, according to Soccer By Ives’ final draft rankings.
1. Todd Wharton (Virginia, DM)
2. Liam Doyle (Ohio State, CB)
3. Colin Bonner (UNC-Wilmington, F)
4. Callum Irving (Kentucky, GK)
5. T.J. Casner (Clemson, RM)
6. Femi Hollinger-Janzen (Indiana, F/W)
7.James Nortey (Marquette, F/W)
8. Thomas Libih (Cameroon youth international, CB)
9. Tyler David (Saint Louis, CB)
10. Josh Turnley (Georgetown, LB)
Be a part of the best sporting atmosphere in Vancouver! 2016 Whitecaps FC Season Tickets are on sale from $39/month all in. In addition to Season Tickets, Whitecaps FC offer a flexible range of ticket products, including Half-Season Packs, 5-Packs, a Youth Soccer Half-Season Ticket, and single match tickets. For more information, visit whitecapsfc.com/tickets.
