The 2017 MLS SuperDraft is quickly approaching.
General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko and his staff will attempt to utilize the SuperDraft as a way to add to their roster heading into the 2017 season.
Toronto FC has had a good run of SuperDraft success under Bezbatchenko. Nick Hagglund (2014), Alex Bono (2015), and Tsubasa Endoh (2016) are some recent examples of SuperDraft picks that have made a significant impact for the Reds.
Hagglund was a starter for the Reds throughout last season's MLS Cup run and scored one of the biggest goals in franchise history (see below). Last season, Bono stepped up for the Reds after starting keeper Clint Irwin went down with an injury midseason, making 15 starts. Endoh put together a solid rookie campaign scoring two goals, including the winner in the Reds' 2016 home opener.
Here is everything you need to know about the 2017 MLS SuperDraft…
When and Where?
Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft will take place on Friday, January 13 starting at 3 pm ET. The draft will take place at the Los Angeles Convention Center in Los Angeles, California.
Rounds 3 and 4 of the SuperDraft will take place via conference call on Tuesday, January 17 at a time to be determined.
How can I follow?
The 2017 MLS SuperDraft will be streamed live on MLSSoccer.com. In addition, we will bring you live coverage of the event via Twitter so make sure you follow for the most up to date news and information. You can also follow along via the MLS’s draft tracker.
Who can be picked?
The majority of draft prospects are NCAA college seniors who have exhausted their college eligibility. Generation adidas players and non-collegiate international players are also eligible for selection in the SuperDraft. Clubs may nominate players for the League's Draft-Eligible List, and only players from that list may be selected.
A majority of the players available will be taking part in the 2017 adidas MLS Player Combine. You can get all of the news and highlights from the combine in our Combine Portal.
How does it work?
There will be four rounds in the 2017 SuperDraft. Expansion side Minnesota United FC currently holds the first pick, while Atlanta United FC holds the second pick.
The following eight picks went to the teams that did not make the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs, going from lowest to highest regular season point total. The remaining positions were ranked by fewest regular season points among the teams that were eliminated in the same round of the playoffs.
A number of selections have changed hands via trades. You can get the most up to date order here.
When does TFC pick?
Toronto FC conditionally traded their first round selection to the Colorado Rapids in exchange for Clint Irwin. However, the conditions were not met so the Reds retained the first round pick.
The Reds currently hold the aforementioned 21st overall pick. In addition, the Reds hold picks 26, 27, 52, 65, 83, and 87. With seven picks, the Reds are poised to add significant depth to the organization during the 2017 SuperDraft.
What happens next?
Most picks will enter training camp with the clubs that drafted them but only about half of them will make an MLS roster.
A player who was drafted by a particular team through the SuperDraft and did not sign is placed on that team's "College Protected List" until December 31st of the year after the draft, after which the team loses the MLS rights to the player.
