The 2014 MLS Superdraft just concluded with some of college soccer’s best players being drafted and now looking to make the team’s rosters. With that said, it’s never too early to start looking forward to the 2015 Superdraft. This time next year, there will be two more MLS teams (Orlando City, NYCFC), which gives even more college players the chance the make it at the next level. Looking ahead, College Soccer News takes a look at the top prospects for the 2015 MLS Draft.
Cyle Larin (UCONN): Larin (14g, 3a), a freshman sensation had a phenomenal year culminating with an impressive NCAA tournament run. The Canadian youth international was close to signing a Generation Adidas (GA) contract this past year, which would’ve seen him go in the top 5. The 6’2” 190 LBS forward is a bit of a project, but has great long term potential. The athletic striker should develop with another year of college under coach Ray Reid and be ready to make an impact next year.
Cristian Roldan (Washington): Roldan (7g, 5a), another talented freshman led the Huskies in points (19), while really coming into his own at the end of the season. The 2013 National Gatorade Player of the Year is a crafty playmaker and one of the most exciting on ball players in the country. The College Soccer News First Team All Freshman selection has the capability of playing anywhere in the midfield or underneath the forward. If he signs a Generation Adidas contract, he’ll definitely be one to watch in the future.
Leo Stolz (UCLA): The PAC-12 player of the year exploded on the college soccer scene leading the Bruins to a number one seed entering the NCAA tournament. Stolz (11g, 8a), a German playmaker would have been a top five pick had he entered the draft this year. The Hermann Trophy award finalist has great on ball skill and can place a ball on a dime. Stolz, a College Soccer News First Team All American selection could be the number one pick in the draft with a repeat performance of this past year.
Nick Besler (Notre Dame): The Irish defensive midfielder, despite injuries, was a leading force in Notre Dame’s road to a national championship. Besler, the brother of US national teamer, Matt, is a smart box-to-box midfielder who does a good job of shielding the backline. The first team All-ACC honoree had a great College Cup, which definitely saw his stock rise. With another good year, Besler could see himself as one of the first seniors taken off the board in 2015.
Adria Beso (UCONN): Beso (0g, 10a), a technical midfielder is one of the best creators in the country. With Larin up top, Beso is poised for anther breakout year in Storrs. The Spaniard covers a lot of ground, something coveted by many MLS coaches. Beso, at 5’6” may turn away some MLS teams, but he’s tough and is reminiscent to a Mikey Lopez. The Villareal C.F. academy product and College Soccer News 2nd team All-American should be a lock as a first round pick.
C. Nortey (Marquette): The Ghanaian forward has caused havoc for Big East defenses as one of the quickest players in the country. Nortey’s (10g, 2a) athleticism makes him a commodity for MLS and one of the leaders to gain a Generation Adidas contract next year. The first team All Big East selection led the Golden Eagles to their best season in program history and will need to continue to impress to gain a Generation Adidas contract. If Nortey doesn’t earn himself a GA contract next year, then he’ll definitely be a top senior prospect for 2016.
Robert Kristo (St. Louis): Kristo (10g, 5a) a target forward is one of the most intriguing senior prospects coming into 2015. The typical #9 has the size at 6’4”, 205 LBS to be a Will Bruin type striker at the next level. Despite the Billikens off year narrowly missing the tournament, Kristo shined earning himself a College Soccer News Third Team All American selection. The A-10 First team All-conference honoree missed out on a GA contract this year, but with a solid senior year, he’ll work himself into the conversation to be a top 10 pick.
Dan Metzger (Maryland): The underrated Terps defensive midfielder is eligible as a New York Red Bulls homegrown player, but if he doesn’t sign he’ll be a top senior on the board. The Maryland junior captain was one of the team’s most influential players en route to a national championship appearance. Metzger, a US youth national teamer, has the technique and skill to make it at the next level, but many question his physical intangibles. The First team All-ACC selection displayed his defensive capability shutting down Harry Shipp in the national semi final, and with more experience will be a solid MLS player for years to come.
Tim Parker (St. Johns): The preseason Hermann Trophy watch-list member is a lockdown defender for the Red Storm. Parker (1g, 1a), a Big East first team all conference selection has all the physical tools to make it at the next level. The 6’2” 190 LBS center back is a good distributor and is the anchor to a tough St. Johns back line. Parker, a former member of the US U-18 national team pool could play himself into a top 10 pick with another strong year in Queens.
Omar Holness (UNC): Holness, another player who worked himself into this year’s GA conversation, should definitely earn himself a contract in 2015. The athletic Jamaican youth international displayed his talent with a weaving 60-yard goal against conference foes Maryland, a candidate for goal of the year. At 6’0” 170 LBS, physically the Tar Heel midfielder is ready for MLS, but needs to improve at other aspects of the game. Holness is a bit raw but if molded correctly he has unreal potential.
Joshua Yaro (Georgetown): Yaro, an incredible athlete was the physical presence in the Hoyas backline this year. The Ghanaian speedster and College Soccer News freshman All American has the capability to make runs forward, an asset for MLS clubs. Yaro is reminiscent of a less polished Marvell Wynee, but many wonder where he’ll fit at the next level. If Coach Wiese can improve Yaro’s overall game, the GA candidate could be a top 10 pick next year.
Ben Roth is a contributing writer for College Soccer News. He can be reached by e-mail at ben.rothpda16@gmail.com
