College Soccer News takes a look at the top 4 domestic prospects in this years SuperDraft class.
It’s that time of the year, with The College Cup Taking Place and MLS technical staffs beginning to make decisions on who they’ll select for the SuperDraft. This year MLS Showcase Is In Phoenix (December 6 to 9) and features 44 of the countries top collegiate prospects. They’ll compete in training sessions & matches in front of all 29 MLS clubs with the goal to improve their stock ahead of the draft on December 19th.
While the SuperDraft has dwindled in terms of importance for MLS clubs, there’s still quality pieces to add for teams, especially in the first round. The likes of Duncan McGuire, Roman Celentano & Ben Bender in recent drafts proves you can still find long term starters with potential sell-on value.
Jacob Murrell – Georgetown – Sophomore
Murrell, a former Gatorade National Player of the Year, had another impressive season for the Hoyas notching 11 goals and 4 assists. The do it all #9 has shades of draft picks Duncan McGuire & Brian White, who have both found tremendous success in MLS. Murrell is a pure goal-scorer, able to score chances in a variety of ways. His direct style of play and willingness to get in behind the back line, should boade well for him going forward. The big question surrounding Murrell is, does he return for his junior season or go directly into MLS preseason following his draft selection? Regardless, domestic goal-scorers are hard to come by and Murrell should continue the line of recent forward draftees to have success in the league.
Nate Jones – Washington – Center Back
Jones, the top center back prospect in the draft, is viewed by clubs to have a tremendous upside. Jones, an extremely good athlete, has improved his ball-playing abilities and passing range throughout his tenure with the Huskies. His ability to play either center back position should help him earn minutes in MLS immediately. He’s in the mold of a Miles Robinson or Ian Murphy, who both had the quality to earn minutes in MLS in year 1. Expect him to impress MLS technical staffs at the Showcase & for him to go top 5 in the SuperDraft.
Kalani Kossa-Rienzi – Washington – CM
Kossa-Rienzi, an MLS Showcase participant in 2022, is the top defensive midfield prospect in this years draft. The Huskies captain has the engine, technical quality and passing range which translates to MLS. Kossa-Rienzi is a versatile player with the ability to play multiple positions, depending on the club & formation. With another solid showing at the Showcase, expect Kalani to be the first central midfielder off the board.
Kimani Stewart-Baynes – Maryland – Winger
Stewart-Baynes, the Big 10 Freshman of the Year is a winger with big potential. While not as polished as the three previous players mentioned, Kimani combines electric pace & 1v1 ability, which makes him a nightmare to defend. Stewart-Baynes is more of a project who will likely play in MLS NextPro for a season or two, but with the right club who’s willing to be patient and develop him, he could be a future star in MLS & for the Canadian national team.
Pictures from Georgetown Athletics, Washington Athletics and Maryland Athletics.
