The 2012 Major League Soccer SuperDraft is fast approaching (Thursday at Noon ET on TSN 2), and with two first round draft picks (4th & 12th overall) Toronto FC is a player at this year’s event in Kansas City, Missouri.
Head coach Aron Winter isn’t one to hint at his plans though his needs are well advertised. Toronto wants immediate backline help but will the U.S. collegiate draft provide centre back depth?
MLSsoccer.com beat writer covering college and youth soccer, Travis Clark, feels Winter has some options. Clark points to University of Connecticut defender Andrew Jean-Baptiste, a 19-year old Soccer America First Team MVP.
“Jean-Baptiste isn’t quite there as far as centre backs go,” said Clark. “He needs to work on his foot skills – but I have a hunch he’d be the centre back TFC picked up because of his Generation adidas status.”
Since Generation adidas players do not count against the salary cap, Jean-Baptiste could an attractive selection for Toronto, presently trying to sign on-loan players Joao Plata and Richard Eckersley to first team contracts.
Winter’s system – with a big target in Danny Koevermans at centre forward – requires service from wide players. Here Clark thinks Toronto faces a dilemma, with Nick DeLeon of Louisville figuring in on the discussion.
“DeLeon is an exciting option. I think TFC could even grab him at the fourth spot,” Clark mused. “He would battle with the wide players, and is a better fit for the 4-3-3 wing spot than Johnson.”
Clark feels with DeLeon out wide, Johnson could “move in to the middle, adding depth behind Koevermans.”
Last year in Baltimore, Winter and director of player development Paul Mariner, made a splash trading forward Chad Barrett to Los Angeles to create salary cap space, then in the third round sent goalkeeper Jon Conway to Chicago for a chance to select the explosive Joao Plata. Clark is aware that Toronto isn’t shy to make deals.
“Of course, I could be wrong, and I think if the price is right, Toronto deals the number four pick for someone looking to land Kelyn Rowe.”
Rowe is a central midfielder from UCLA. With Toronto very deep at his position, those coveting the midfielder could come knocking with the right offer.
The 2012 MLS SuperDraft has been reduced to two rounds from three in the previous year. Toronto does not possess a second round pick at the time of writing.
