2009 MLS Soccer Draft Ramblings

The 2009 MLS Draft was a very exciting event this year, especially because I’ve played with or against many of the players selected in the draft. It’s great to see these guys move to the next level, and improve the struggling United States Football (Soccer) reputation. Here’s a quick breakdown of the players I’ve seen compete and what skills & talents they will bring to the 2009 MLS Season.

Steve Zakuani - Seattle Sounders FC

Steve Zakuani is a very fluid and skilled player. I watched him on video during the 2009 NCAA Soccer tournament. He has exceptional speed and even better ball skills. His training with the Arsenal United youth squad really helped his game. I predict he will score 10+ goals in 2009, and eventually make the move to European football within 2-3 years.

O’Brian White - Toronto FC

The Former 2008 Hermann trophy winner has tons of ability, but is recovering from a serious season ending knee injury. I watched him slice and dice the Dartmouth Soccer defense in a two goal personal effort. His pace is one thing, but people underestimate his great lower body strength. White is very difficult to push off the ball, and has good lateral instincts. If he makes a 100% recovery, I can see him playing very well in the MLS for years to come.

Rodney Wallace - DC United

Rodney Wallace is an extremely versatile midfielder/defender. I played against Rodney when he was much shorter yet he still made defenders look silly, and had great vision and understanding of the most dangerous positions on the field. He played a lot of defense at Maryland due to his versatility, but I see him as a dangerous left winger in the MLS. Wallace has good pace, and extremely strong technical skills. DC United will surely need his creativity in the 2009 Season.

A.J. Delagarza - Los Angeles Galaxy

One of the top American recruits coming out of high school, A.J. Delagarza played a pivot role in Maryland’s College cup title. Delagarza is the type of defender that gets on a striker’s nerves. He has great anticipatory skills, reads the game very well, always marks ball side and goal side, and is a defensive leader. He wil make a huge impact on the Los Angeles Galaxy. Can’t wait to see him shut down the opposing offense.

Graham Zusi  - Kansas City Wizards

A tireless midfielder with incredible endurance, Graham Zusi made a name for himself in the 2009 College Cup where he scored both goals in Maryland’s Semi Final and Final victory against North Carolina. Zusi works constantly across the pitch, which puts him in wonderful scoring positions that most midfielders would miss out on due to lack of fitness. He doesn’t create many chances, but Zusi strikes the ball well and has a knack for finishing goals within the 18 yard area. Zusi will become a very good MLS player, and thrive in the US soccer league.

Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe - Colorado Rapids

Kwame Adjeman-Pamboe is another rising prospect in the MLS who will have big impact on the Colorado Rapids. I played with Kwame in the Super-20 league, and his skills and speed were very impressive. He is deceptively quick and gets out of dangerous situations with his strong technical skills and flashlike pace. I was happy to see Kwame transfer to George Mason from St. Francis because the CAA is a much better overall league. He will feature as a striker, but has the ability to play as a winger due to his good fitness. Colorado will desperately need his scoring to improve their offensive output in 2009.

Mike Grella - Toronto FC

Mike Grella is a technical gifted midfielder and dangerous attack in the offensive 3rd. I played against Grella in the Super Y semi finals where he broke down our defense with several dangerous runs in the central midfielder. He is deceptively skilled and makes decisions on the ball very quickly. I thought he would go higher in the draft, but Toronto FC got a pretty nice pick anyways. He will make a strong impact in the MLS for the next couple of years.

Alex Grendi - Columbus Crew

Alex Grendi was a bit of a sleeper in 2008. He didn’t impress me much until I watched him score a 25-Yard screamer in the Penn vs. Dartmouth match. He has a very dangerous left foot, and skilled left footed players are very rare in US soccer. I don’t expect him to make a huge impact in the MLS though, unless he improves his technical skills and becomes dangerous on all 3rds of the pitch.

Michael Fucito - Seattle Sounders FC

Michael Futico is a hard working midfielder who makes up for his lack in size with bulldog like defensive pressure and good peripheral vision passing. I watched him play against Dartmouth where he suffered an injury midway through the first half. I saw some potential, and hope he stays healthier in the MLS. He will improve his fitness and strength in the MLS, and may make a big impact in the 2010 MLS season.

Marcus Tracy - Houston Dynamo

Marcus Tracy is a very dangerous and skilled forward attacker. Houston Dynamo drafted Tracy very late in the 2009 MLS Draft. I’m not sure why Tracy fell so far in the draft. I predicted he would be a top 10 selection for sure. Along with his pace and skill, he is very dominate in the air. His height plus vertical leap allows him to win a large portion of headballs, and he is a nightmare on corner kicks and set pieces. Hopefully, Marcus Tracy becomes motivated by his low selection in the draft and works hard to make a great impression during the 2009 MLS season. I expect great things from him.

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