The 2015 MLS SuperDraft commences from the Philadelphia Convention Center starting at 12:30 pm. For Orlando City SC and New York City FC, it will be the team’s first draft. This is just one of the means of way players can be acquired by teams.
Two teams, Sporting KC and Toronto FC, have three fist round picks in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Do not be surprised if both are actively trying to trade one or more of them. Even though there are only 20 teams in the league, there will still be 21 picks per round due to Chivas USA’s picks.
Follow along at Playing for 90 as we break down every pick. Below is the current draft order, however, teams often trade their picks on draft day. If a trade happens, we will update this coverage and our Twitter @Playingfor90. Make sure to use #MLSSuperDraft and #FSMLSDRAFT to interact and stay updated on the latest news and notes from the draft.
While you wait for the draft to begin, check out our mock draft. Also MLS announced today that the league MVP award will be named in honor of Landon Donovan.
The fun will begin at 12:30 EST.
Update 12:06 p.m.: In unrelated SuperDraft news, FC Dallas defender and Reading United alumni Matt Hedges has been added to the USMNT’s January Camp.
Update 12:18pm: MLS is showing a video about their new logo and visual identity. They are talking about EA Sports and how the FIFA video game has helped the brand out. Some teams are in a holding pattern at their tables. Others are standing and talking. Orlando City SC’s table is nice and quiet with no other teams around them right now.
Update 12:25 pm: “Welcome to the MLS SuperDraft presented by Adidas”. Now a video looking back at the 2014 MLS Cup and related events is now playing.
We also have a rumor.
I'm hearing Philly & Red Bulls are still on the trail of Montreal's allocation spot. Would put my money on RBNY right now, but nothing done
— Ives Galarcep (@SoccerByIves) January 15, 2015
Update 12:30 PM
BREAKING: The fans cheer @courtemancheMLS.
— Jonathan Tannenwald (@thegoalkeeper) January 15, 2015
And they are going over the rules for the draft. 4 minutes per pick. 5 minutes per round. Each team has one timeout they can use. The NSCAA President is coming to the stage now. Now the commisioner has come to stage. “You know you have arrived when the boo birds are here.” Gives a shoutout to the Sons of Ben for their philanthropic work. Now he is talking about the 20th season and the two new expansion sides.
Garber highlighting the tv deal with ESPN, Fox Sports, and Univision and other important parts of the leagues 20th season. “It’s a year where we will announce our next round of expansion.” To where? Well, you got me.
Update 12:40 PM EST
Landon Donovan getting a shoutout by Garber, who is now talking about his importance and how he’s helped MLS grow. He announced to the fans that the MVP award will be named after Donovan. He is now on the stage getting a standing ovation by the fans and all 20 teams. Donovan speaking to the players and how the draft is just the beginning.
Orlando City SC is officially on the clock as announced by Landon Donovan himself.
12:47 PM EST Update
Cyle Larin taken by Orlando City SC. He is with the U-20 Canada Men’s National Team currently.
12:50 PM EST Update
Before their first pick, video about NYCFC’s launch is being shown. Orlando City SC fans are chanting something. I think MCFC 2 and Union fans are cheering too. There’s a poster also that says NYCFC= ManCityC
NYCFC call for a timeout. Five minutes. They select Khiry Shelton, forward from Oregon State.
1:00 PM EST Update
Romario Williams picked by Montreal Impact. SJ Earthquakes are on the clock.
The full selection of picks are below as they come in.
1:03 PM EST update
Fatai Alashe has been selected by SJ Earthquakes. First of many Reading United alumni that will be chosen today. Portland is on the clock.
1:08 PM EST update
Portland selects Nick Besler from Notre Dame. Toronto’s first of 3 first round picks is next.
1:13 PM EST update
Toronto FC select Syracuse GK Alex Bono. He is the first MLS draft pick to be called-up to the USMNT prior to the draft. He is currently training with the USMNT senior squad and is not here today. Bono is a member of the Generation adidas class and is the second Reading United player to be drafted today.
1:16 PM EST update
Matt Polster picked by the Chicago Fire and is taking in the moment before he gives his thank you’s.
1:20 PM EST update
Dynamo select midfielder Zach Steinberger from Butler.
1:30 PM EST update
Toronto select NC State defender Clement Simonin
1:32 EST update
Connor Hallisey midfielder from California has been picked by Sporting KC.
1:37 PM EST update
Reading United and Syracuse teammates are uniting in MLS. Syracuse defender Skylar Thomas taken by Toronto FC.
1:51 PM EST update
Vancouver takes defender Tim Parker after a five-minute timeout. Crew on the clock at 14.
2:01 PM EST Update
TRADE: Crew send 14th pick to Rapids for 19th pick. Then Crew also receive “further considerations. Rapids pick Azel Sjoberg from Marquette.
2:15 PM EST update
There was some action while the internet struggled to work. FC Dallas selected Otis Earle, Sounders traded up to 16 for Cristian Roldan. DC United take Miguel Agullar. Red Bulls choose Leo Stolz.
19th pick is Sergio Campbell and heads to the Crew.
2:20 EST update
Sporting KC selects Amadou Dia
2:45 pm EST update
Four picks through the 2nd round. Conor Donovan and Akeil Barrett selected by Orlando (1st and 4th pick overall in 2nd round), NYCFC select Connor Brandt, and Portland Timbers select Washington product Andy Thoma with the 3rd overall pick in 2nd round.
Update 2:50 pm EST update
Colorado selects defender Joseph Greenspan from Navy. Real Salt Lake select a defender with their first pick of the draft.
Update 3:00 PM EST update
Chicago select Kingsley Bryce and then Toronto FC take Wesley Charpie. The third Reading United player they took today.
Update 3:05 PM EST update
Dynamo trade for Sporting KC’s 9th overall pick in the 2nd round. Pick defender Oumar Ballo. The Union looked to have been picked him with next pick.
Update 3:10 PM EST update
Union select F Dzenan Catic from Davenport. He was 2014 USL-PDL player of the year. Portland selects F Christian Volesky moments later.
Update 3:35 PM EST update
Sounders trade up for Tyler Miller, Timbers take Khalton Belmar, Crew Take Sagi Lev-Ari, Dynamo take Rob Lovejoy, TFC take Edwin Rivas, and Whitecaps take Kay Banjo.
Update 3:45 PM EST update
NYRB take Stefano Bonomo, Sounders pick midfielder Oniel Fisher and Union choose UVA M Eric Bird.
2015 MLS SuperDraft First Round
2015 MLS SuperDraft Second Round
That’s a wrap of the first two rounds. The 3rd and 4th rounds will occur next Tuesday via conference call. What are your thoughts on how your team did?