Omar Salgado was the surprise number 1 pick yesterday. (photo vis MLS)

Yesterday was an absolute crazy day. The SuperDraft came and went in a hurry too. I wanted to first of all thank those who joined me here for the live blog. I’m sorry I was only able to keep it going for the first two rounds and really the second round was a bit light on my part. But there were plenty and I mean plenty of other quality sites out there with coverage yesterday so fans all around had their options for sure.

So the draft has now passed and a day later I think I’m ready to look things over here and give you all my team-by-team opinions on who did well and who really did the opposite. I thought a handful of teams did rather well while a couple did poorly and a couple more will be tough to grade considering they barely picked at all (I’m looking at you RSL).

Below are my team draft grades with each of their picks listed as well. For this I’ll go draft order with Vancouver first.

Vancouver Whitecaps:

Picks: Omar Salgado (#1), Michael Nanchoff (#8), Jeb Brovsky (#19), Bilal Duckett (#37)

Thoughts: The snub from Darlington Nagbe earlier this week had to do a number on the Whitecaps. They certainly wanted him at number one but their hands were tied as the kid did not want to go there and probably would have not played there if they had picked him. Instead they took Salgado first, shocking everyone at the draft. The interesting thing about Salgado is he can’t play for them until this summer when he turns 18 according to FIFA rules. Now they are going to try and get an exemption on this for him but I doubt it will happen in time. It won’t matter anyways as Salgado is viewed as a long-term project anyways, not a short-term one. He wouldn’t contribute on day one as it is so he’ll get some time to train with the club and also play with the U-20s before joining the club this summer.

Vancouver's second first round selection was Akron's Michael Nanchoff. (photo vis MLS)

I did like their pick of Jed Brovsky at 19. Michael Nanchoff was also a nice pick at 8 and both could contribute to the club this season fairly early.

WVH Draft Grade: C-

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Portland Timbers

Akron head coach Caleb Porter represented Darlington Nagbe. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Darlington Nagbe (#2), Chris Taylor (#22)

Thoughts: Nagbe is a steal for them at number 2. But the bigger news for this club has to be the addition of Kenny Cooper. They now have plenty of forwards in their attack and quite honestly they should be fun to watch. Their draft wasn’t anything amazing or spectacular but Nagbe was the best player in most folks opinions and Taylor is a solid defender that will play early on for them. It was a simple and effect draft for John Spencer and company.

WVH Draft Grade: B-

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D.C. United

D.C. United snagged Perry Kitchen. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Perry Kitchen (#3), Chris Korb (#31), Joe Willis (#50)

Thoughts: D.C. went for the Akron duo of Kitchen and Korb. Quite honestly I was shocked to see Kitchen fall to them but in reality it means they ended up with the first or second best player depending on who you talk to. Drafting at number 3 you really can’t beat that. Kitchen can fill any number of needs in the midfield or defense for D.C. too. Very solid draft for Ben Olsen and the more I look at it the more I like it. Wills could end up being a big steal for them there in the third round, he’ll sit behind Cronin and Hamid but don’t be shocked if we see him at some point this year in some USOC games.

WVH Draft Grade: A

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Chivas USA

Zarek Valentin joins Chivas as the 4th overall pick. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Zarek Valentin (#4), Victor Estupinan (#14), Jon Okafor (#40)

Thoughts: I like where Robin Fraser went with his first draft as head coach. He grabbed one, if not, the best defender available. Then he got one of the better foreign strikers in the draft in Estupinan. Both are excellent selections for the first year coach. Chivas is finally heading in a direction that I like here too with Fraser, this draft proves it.

WVH Draft Grade: A-

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Philadelphia Union

Zac MacMath went early to Philadelphia at number 5. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Zac MacMath (#5), Michael Farfan (#23), Levi Houapeu (#41)

Thoughts: A lot of people including myself didn’t have Philly going for a keeper in this draft because of the signing of Faryd Mondragon. Honestly I don’t blame Peter Nowak for drafting MacMath at all here first. He gets a keeper that is full of potential and could start tomorrow if he really wanted him to. He’ll probably sit for a little while under Mongradon but look for him to get plenty of time this year for the Union.

The other two picks I thought were very nice for Nowak. I’ve been a huge Farfan fan for a while and though his Combine wasn’t anything special he has the tools to really help this club out offensively. As does Houapeu with his speed and athleticism.

WVH Draft Grade: B+

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New England Revolution

AJ Soares will be called to help New England's defense. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: AJ Soares (#6), Stephen McCarthy (#24), Steven Perry (#39), Ryan Kinne (#42), Alan Koger (#54)

Thoughts: The Revs had plenty of picks and really did the most with them. Grabbing Soares at six is not a reach in the least bit. He’ll start for them on day one I’d imagine. I absolutely love them getting McCarthy in the second round which is a major steal for them there, as is grabbing both Perry and Kinne. Those two should help boost their offense a good bit. I think after a so-so draft last year for  Steve Nicol he has returned to snagging top talent yet again.

WVH Draft Grade: A-

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Houston Dynamo

Will Bruin was selected 11th overall by Houston. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Kofi Sarkodie (#7), Will Bruin (#11)

Thoughts: Easily their best draft since moving to Houston. Dominic Kinnear addressed two big needs of the club and got two very capable players in return. Hard to believe they went into this with only one pick and yet came away as the biggest winners of all in most eyes.

WVH Draft Grade: A

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Chicago Fire

Chicago's first round pick Jalil Anibaba. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Jalil Anibaba (#9), Jason Herrick (#45), Davis Paul (#51)

Thoughts: I really liked what the Fire did in this draft. Sure they had one early pick and two late ones but boy did they ever cash in on those two late ones. I thought snagging both Herrick and Paul late were huge for them. Anibaba was a very nice pick for them, he’ll start on day one for sure in the back.

WVH Draft Grade: B+

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Sporting Kansas City

CJ Sapong was a surprise pick at number 10 for KC. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: CJ Sapong (#10), TJ Murray (#32), Konrad Warzycha (#46)

Thoughts: Sapong was a surprise pick for most folks at 10. But KC has an idea of what they want to do with their offense and Sapong fits it better than others out there so you can’t blame them for going for what they need here. It just felt like a bit of a reach though that early. Murry will fill a need in the back but I still see that being a defense that needs work before the season starts.

WVH Draft Grade: C

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Columbus Crew

Justin Meram was selected by Columbus. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Rich Balchan (#12), Justin Meram (#15), Cole Grossman (#28), Bernardo Anor (#48)

Thoughts: It was a weird day for the Crew but honestly it could prove to be a good one in the end. Trading Steven Lenhart for the Meram pick doesn’t bother me in the least bit. Balchan could be a bit of a reach at 12 but at the same time I think he could prove to be very valuable to them this season. The big pick in my mind for them was getting Grossman when they did in the second round. Really felt that was one of the steals of the draft yesterday.

WVH Draft Grade: C+

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New York Red Bulls

Corey Hertzog was taken by New York. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Corey Hertzog (#13), John Rooney (#25), Tyler Lassiter (#30), Billy Cortes (#38)

Thoughts: Hertzog was an interesting pick and one I wouldn’t be at all shocked seeing them trade away to Philly before long. If they keep him he’ll have a lot of work to do to move above Thierry Henry, Juan Agudelo, and Salou Ibrahim in the pecking order. Rooney was a flier type of pick though and not one for putting butts-in-seats like some think.

Lassiter could end up being their best pick of the bunch though. His combine wasn’t great but I’ve seen enough of him over the last year to know he can do some good in the back for them.

WVH Draft Grade: C

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LA Galaxy

Paolo Cardozo was taken by the LA Galaxy. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Paolo Cardozo (#16), Hector Jimenez (#34)

Thoughts: Bruce Arena went international here and a lot of people didn’t like it. They also traded for Chad Barrett who I think could do very well in LA with guys like Landon Donovan and David Beckham playing around him. He’s no Edson Buddle but he could prove to be a big draft day trade for them.

Jimenez is local but I’m not sure I follow the logic in taking yet another right-footed midfielder. They’re already fairly loaded on that side in the midfield.

WVH Draft Grade: C+

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FC Dallas

Stanford's Bobby Warshaw was selected by FC Dallas. (photo vis MLS)

Picks: Bobby Warshaw (#17), Charlie Campbell (#35), Scott Gordon (#53)

Thoughts: I had Warshaw in my initial write-up for FC Dallas but removed him at the last minute (note I submitted that story a week before they posted it). He was a late first round/early second round pick in my mind so this wasn’t a reach by any stretch. He fits the Schellas Hyndman mold of versatile players. I like the Charlie Campbell pick as well as it will add some depth to the defensive cover.

WVH Draft Grade: B-

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Colorado Rapids

Picks: Eddie Ababio (#18), Colin Givens (#36)

Thoughts: I figured they’d go defensive and they did. Ababio was a great pick at 18 and Givens is another solid defender that will add to their depth. There really isn’t anything special to say about the Rapids draft either. With only two picks they addressed areas that needed some depth for a busier schedule this year.

WVH Draft Grade: C+

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Seattle Sounders FC

Picks: Michael Tetteh (#20), Leone Cruz (#21), Servando Carrasco (#27), Bryan Meredith (#29), Alex Caskey (#47)

Thoughts: They did some maneuvering yesterday but ended up with a solid group of picks. Tetteh adds some nice depth and cover on the defensive wings, while not hitting the salary cap as a GA player. He’s also a quality left-footed defender which is very tough to find in any league really.

Cruz is a nice depth pick and Meredith will sit behind Kasey Keller and Terry Boss this year. He’s got plenty of skills to be a start down the road in this league I think.

WVH Draft Grade: C+

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Toronto FC

Picks: Demitrius Omphroy (#26), Matt Gold (#43), Junior Burgos (#44), Joao Plata (#49)

Thoughts: They went for the defensive cover in Omphroy and took chances with Plata. Having so many late picks really doesn’t do a lot for them right away. This is definitely a club that will play the open market starting next week. But for the most part this will be a draft TFC fans will probably not remember in a couple years, or even months, which is tough to say considering their lack of early picks for once.

WVH Draft Grade: D

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San Jose Earthquakes

Picks: Anthony Ampaipitakwong (#33)

Thoughts: They needed a striker and traded for one in Steven Lenhart, a move I really like for them. Ampai dropped due to his Combine performance but he’s a very nice pick for the Quakes here. He’ll add some creative spark to their offense for sure this year.

WVH Draft Grade: C-

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Real Salt Lake

Picks: Jarad vanSchaik (#52)

Thoughts: We had a hunch a while back that RSL would trade their first round pick and they ended up doing just that to get some cap relief. Their only selection was pretty late, someone who’ll just be on their development roster this year I’d imagine. Hard to really grade their one and only pick seeing as how he wasn’t at the Combine and he was one of the last picks in the draft. But I’m willing to bet RSL did their homework on the guy.

WVH Draft Grade: C

It is SuperDraft eve. Feel the excitement? The buzz? Yeah this draft is shaping up to be one interesting ride tomorrow. Teams are in Baltimore as we speak getting geared up for this thing.

This will be my final mock draft for this SuperDraft. Today I’m going board and will be doing a two round version. I know I’ve done now four of these things but its something I enjoy a lot during the off season. It may be over kill on my part to do as many as I do but with each passing week new information comes out or I talk to different folks around the league that help form my opinions here so changes have to be made.

I’ve had a lot of fun this year with this draft probably because its allowed me to help out on other venues like SBnation.com and more recently on FCDallas.com. I try my best what can I say.

Below is my two round mock draft. I’ll have addition comments below as I think there will be some trades that shake this entire thing up. Should any big trade come down in the morning I’ll discuss it and what it will mean for the draft at that point. For now the order is where it’s been at for a couple weeks now so for arguments sake, nothing is changing and this is how I see it playing out tomorrow.

2011 WVH Mock Draft

(* = Generation adidas)

1. Vancouver Whitecaps – Perry Kitchen*, M, Akron

A new leader in the house is Kitchen. There are some weird things going on here with Darlington Nagbe and that has lead me to believe Kitchen will be taken here. Vancouver could still trade this pick, which wouldn’t shock me at all. I know a couple clubs would love to get either Kitchen or Nagbe first.

2. Portland Timbers – Darlington Nagbe*, F, Akron

Portland would still be very hard pressed to pass on Nagbe here if Kitchen goes number one. Anytime you have a top flight striker available you take him.

3. D.C. United – Will Bruin*, F, Indiana

If D.C. doesn’t move up (which I doubt they will at this point) their pick is going to be this guy. Not many out there disagree with this either. Bruin’s Combine proved he is worthy of the No. 3 selection by a team that needs offensive help right away.

4. Chivas USA - Kofi Sarkodie*, D, Akron

No change here though don’t be shocked if Robin Fraser goes for Jahil Anibana here though. Still getting a GA defender is always worth doing in this draft and Sarkodie will be a nice upgrade to this defense.

5. Philadelphia Union – Jalil Anibaba, D, UNC

If you watched even two seconds of the Combine this past weekend you would have seen exactly what so many are saying good things about this kid. He easily made the biggest leap of anyone at the Combine. At the end of the college season I thought he was a mid-to-late first rounder but now he’s a top five pick for me. Philly does themselves a favor and grabs the best center back in the draft. Sure Zarek Valentin or Kofi Sarkodie make loads of sense but Anibaba proved he could start tomorrow in this league.

6. New England Revolution – Corey Hertzog*, F, Penn State

They could still go defensive here but I like the idea of New England grabbing one of their biggest needs in the draft at striker. Hertzog had a strong Combine to prove some doubters out there wrong. He could still go to Philly however but I think the Revs will snag him if he doesn’t.

7. Houston Dynamo – Omar Salgado, F, Generation adidas

Houston could be a team to watch tomorrow with trades seeing how they only have this pick. I think they’d like to get another pick late but for now I think they still go this direction. Salgado may be raw but he’s be a nice addition for Dominic Kinnear.

8. Vancouver Whitecaps (via Toronto) – Zarek Valentin*, D, Akron

Adding to their defense with the best available defender on the board. Could be a fun pairing to see play along side Jay DeMerit back there.

9. Chicago Fire - A. J. Soares, D, California

This pick remains the same for me as it has for pretty much this entire process. Chicago needs to patch up their defense after what they’ve lost this winter and Soares would be the best option available here for them to do just that.

10. Sporting Kansas City – Michael Tetteh*, D, UCSB

KC fans will be upset to see Soares or Anibana gone at this point but landing Tetteh isn’t a bad thing for them either. He had a solid Combine that helped push him up for me. Peter Vermes will like this kind of defender too as Tetteh is one that enjoys getting forward in the attack.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Anthony Ampaipitakwong, M, Akron

This may be the hardest pick to judge right now. I still think there is a glimmer of a chance they take Zac MacMath here but I still lead towards them filling a more pressing need in their midfield. He struggled at the Combine but I still see Seattle going with the creative midfielder from Akron.

12. Columbus Crew – Michael Nanchoff*, M, Akron

Columbus could be a mover tomorrow but I like them to end up with a local product here in Nanchoff. They have plenty of areas to fill and finding quality players on the left side is always a tall task.

13. New York Red Bulls – Michael Farfan, M, UNC

He didn’t do anything to push his draft stock up but then again I don’t believe he killed his first round status either. New York gets a creative man in the midfield that they lack here. They could also go with a striker but I think ironing out the midfield is more pressing at the moment.

14. Real Salt Lake – Paolo Cordozo, M, Quilmes (ARG)

My gut feeling is RSL trades this pick to someone high in the draft looking for addition picks in the first round. Without too many glaring needs they don’t need a first rounder at this point, they need cap relief. Saying that though they could stick it out and go international and select a player they’ve scouted before in Cordozo. He isn’t as known as the other internationals that were at the Combine but he could be the right fit should they keep this pick.

15. San Jose Earthquakes – Zac MacMath*, GK, Maryland

I’ve had Justin Meram here for a while but pretty much all day I’ve heard that they’d take MacMath if he were still available here. Not a bad pickup if you ask me for Quake fans.

16. LA Galaxy – Justin Meram, F, Michigan

LA needs forwards more than anything right now. I know I’ve had UNC’s Steven McCarthy here all along but once Edson Buddle left town it was obvious that pick wouldn’t happen. They go for the best available at this point in Meram.

17. FC Dallas – Steven McCarthy, M, UNC

I think Dallas fans will be thrilled to have this kid on board. He’s a big kid that could help bridge the gab in the midfield and bring some much needed size to this club.

18. Colorado Rapids – Michael Boxell, D, UCSB

They’ve claimed they could trade this pick away but I sort of see them holding on and taking Boxell here. He didn’t have the best of Combines but he should still be a quality addition to this club.

Second Round

19. Vancouver Whitecaps – Victor Estupinan, F, Liga de Quito

Vancouver didn’t select a striker in the first round but will take a flier on Estupinan. Some folks think he’s good enough to go high in the first round based on his Combine, I think he’ll slip here to the second round though.

20. Portland Timbers – Eddie Ababio, D, UNC

A kid who really improved his draft stock at the Combine. He can play on the right side or in the middle, an option John Spencer will enjoy having in the back.

21. Seattle Sounders FC (via D.C. United) –  Josh Ford, GK, UConn

I still like the idea of Seattle taking a keeper at some point in the second round. If MacMath is here you gotta believe they’ll take him, if not Ford is likely the second best option to go with.

22. Portland Timbers (via Chivas USA, via RSL) – Cole Grossman, M, Duke

This could be a monster steal in the second round for the Timbers. I wouldn’t be shocked to see them take him at 20 either really. He could easily be a first round talent but Portland will have a hard time passing him up here.

23. Philadelphia Union – Levi Houapeu, M, UMBC

He didn’t improve his draft stock at the Combine like some thought but I still like him here with Philly as I did during the SBnation.com mock draft. Adding some flare to the wings has to be something Peter Nowak is looking to do this winter.

24. New England Revolution – Greg King, D, UConn

If he slides to the Revs Steve Nicol will have no choice but to take this kid. He had a great Combine and really showed he could be a first round talent. He has the ability to get forward into the attack and could really be a nice boost to a defense that lacked a serious punch a year ago.

25. New York Red Bulls (via Houston) – CJ Sapong, F, JMU

He’s one of the most athletic players in this draft, some have him going in the first round but I think he’ll slip down to New York who will have no problem taking him.

26. Toronto FC – Curtis Ushedo, D, UAB

Toronto improves their defense with a Canadian kid that showed small flashes of how good he can be at the Combine.

27. Seattle Sounders FC (via Chicago Fire) – John Rooney, F, Macclesfield Town

Some think they’ll take him with their first round pick but I still see him as a second rounder. I don’t think they’ll take him until here at 27 either unless MacMath is off the board. Rooney proved at the Combine he is worth taking a chance on here. The question I have is what sort of contract did he sign with the league. That could determine who really selects him.

28. Columbus Crew (via Kansas City, via Philadelphia) – Jason Herrick, F, Maryland

For a club lacking an offensive punch they’d love to see a kid like Herrick fall here. He’s got first round talent but draft needs of those above him weight out and he lands here.

29. Seattle Sounders FC – Bobby Warsaw, D, Stanford

I have a feeling this could be one of the picks they could deal tomorrow. Having three second round picks seem like a lot for a team that could be tight on the cap. But if they hold on to it Warsaw seems like a nice fit here at 29. He can play both in the midfield or in the back which is something Sigi Schmid will enjoy.

30. New York Red Bulls (via Columbus) – Chris Korb, D, Akron

New York still has some work to do in the back and while they could have gone defensive in the first round I see them holding off until here. Korb is the remaining Akron player on the board at this point.

31. D.C. United (via New York) – Daniel Keat, M, Dartmouth

I think with a late second round pick D.C. goes for midfield depth. Already grabbing a striker early means they shouldn’t need to take another. Keat is a nice two-way player too that could provide nice cover in the midfield.

32. Sporting Kansas City (via RSL) – Ryan Kinne, F, Monmouth

Kansas City still needs some work up top and Kinne could prove some solid depth for them.

33. San Jose Earthquakes – Joao Plata, F, Liga de Quito

He showed he could score at the Combine the first two days but day three he was out of his element against better defenses. Still I think someone like San Jose could take a flier on him in the second round.

34. LA Galaxy – J.T. Murray, D, Louisville

Finding a home for Murray will be interesting in this draft. He’s a second round talent and LA needs depth in the back. The fit seems natural to me.

35. FC Dallas – Ashley McInnes, F, Tulsa

His Combine was less than stellar but Schellas Hyndman should be able to do something with this kid who can play up top and on the wings.

36. Colorado Rapids – Amani Walker, F, UC-Irvine

The Rapids still need depth up top and Walker is a big kid that could end up working out nicely in long run should Omar Cummings bolt to Europe.

By Geoff Reid

First of all, apologies for being away a while. Busy time of year for all of us the last few weeks and life gets in the way. This time of year the game domestically really starts to get exciting with the MLS Combine, followed by the Superdraft and NSCAA Convention before clubs head into their respective pre-seasons. This year the Philadelphia Union will spend part of their time in Florida and will do for the next four years due to their newest sponsorship partner, and the first jersey sponsor in club history, Bimbo.

The Bakery giant is a name that most soccer fans are familiar with in North and central America. Three of the top Mexican clubs have it as their own jersey sponsors (Chivas Guadalajara, Club America, and Monterrey) as well as Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa. So as CEO Nick Sackiewicz said in the press conference it was a privilege to be part of a special group. Now of course it’s pronounced “Beem-bo” due to the Spanish language, but the English spelling will be one of hot topic for supporters of rival clubs to poke fun at the Union.

Now if we put all the banter aside for a little bit, as a Union supporter and season ticket holder I think this is a fantastic deal and here’s why: First off from a business standpoint, the deal is $12million over four years, which equals to $3m a season. That’s extremely good business, especially in the current economic climate. Most companies would love an injection of $3m each year through sponsorship. It also shows that the company itself must be doing well if they can dish out that money. For the next three years the Union will be receiving $8m per season in sponsorship revenues from PPL and Bimbo together by themselves. No it’s not as much as what the Sounders are receiving from Microsoft for XBOX 360 and the Galaxy for Herbalife, but it’s also worth reminding that both the MLS Cup winners and runners up from this past season are league originals and still can’t find a jersey sponsor. The brand of Bimbo is also not exactly an unknown commodity either. As mentioned earlier, they already have sponsorship deals with three Mexican clubs and one Costa Rican. They’re supporters of the beautiful game which is another key component of why this is a great deal not only for the Union, but MLS as a whole. On top of all that, they are the biggest bakery company in the world, and are close to buying out a certain local favorite in the Delaware Valley named TastyKakes. And to put the icing on the Cake (no pun intended), their US Corporate Headquarters are based in Horsham, PA so even with the international brand the name carries, there is also that local touch which is very important for this club to have the local footprint stamped on it in many different ways and creates an important identity.

Also mentioned earlier part of the deal will see the team spend part of pre-season down in Florida the next couple of years. That sure beats spending it on the snow covered Carolina’s like they did a year ago. The extent of how long and who they will play is not determined as of yet. But this is an important day in the history of the club, make no mistake about that. And while of course the haters will be mocking it for sure, I guarantee that FC Dallas, Colorado Rapids, New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, and the Chicago Fire (who recently completed the final year of a three year deal with Best Buy) would love to have the same sort of deal in place. The bottom line is rival fans can mock it all they want, but the Union just got themselves a very good deal, and the club is going to be in a much better position if not on the field, certainly off it compared to a lot of other clubs in the league.

Will Perry Kitchen go to Vancouver or to Portland. Both could use his services come Thursday. (Akron)

Its hard to believe the SuperDraft is nearly here. The MLS Combine wraps up later today and folks in Florida will be rushing (if they haven’t already left) to get to Baltimore for the draft. The league shortened the draft from four rounds to three rounds last week (thank goodness), with all preexisting fourth-round picks becoming first-rounders in next week’s supplemental draft.

I know I was quiet on here yesterday due to my day job but today is a brand new day. I wanted to give a brief overview of each team’s draft needs as we head into the draft on Thursday. Tomorrow I should have my final mock draft and on the day of the draft I may do my annual live blog of the draft (still working out the details on that).

For this look-in, I’ll go team-by-team in their draft order, so Vancouver and Portland are first with Toronto going last since their first pick is in the second round.

Vancouver Whitecaps:

Draft picks: 1, 8, 19, 37

Offensively this team still has a lot of wholes to fill. Their defense could also use a patch or two but you have to think they are targeting offense with their top pick. Having two in the first 10 picks is a major plus for an expansion team looking to grow too. I see offense then then going with a midfielder at eight. Also having the number 19 pick is a bonus as they should grab a decent player there too.

I think getting someone in the second round to fill their issues in the back on the left will help. Jay DeMerit and Joe Cannon are good but they’ll need help back there.

Portland Timbers

Draft picks: 2, 20, 22

We all think they’ll go with Akron’s Perry Kitchen if he’s there at two, with good reason too. He’s versatile and play nearly everywhere for John Spencer. They have plenty of strikers and could add one more with Kenny Cooper before the start of the season. Still adding depth up top wouldn’t be a terrible idea if Kitchen is off the board.

Their second round picks need to focus on the midfield though. Rounding out that and their attack has to be something John Spencer is hoping to accomplish here come Thursday.

D.C. United

Draft picks: 3, 31

Only two picks, one early and one in the middle isn’t exactly great for a club on the rebound but at least that first pick should be a good one. No doubt they’ll go offensive with that selection and take a striker like Indiana’s Will Bruin, or someone like Omar Salgado.

When they signed Ethan White it signaled to me that the top pick wouldn’t be defensive but grabbing one with their second pick wouldn’t be too far fetched.

Chivas USA

Draft picks: 4, 40

Before Robin Fraser came on board I thought they were going offensive with their first pick but that has gone out the window in my mind. Fraser is a defensive mastermind and with Jimmy Conrad on board in Chivas-land you gotta think he’ll want a young defender to go with him. With plenty on the board at number four I see them going that direction. They could still surprise us and take Salgado if he’s available here due to the tied with their sister club in Mexico. I still think the chances of that are less likely with Fraser though.

As far as their second selection later on in the draft, adding depth in the midfield will likely be a must.

Philadelphia Union

Draft picks: 5, 23, 42

Two fairly early picks at 5 and 23 should set the second-year club up nicely in this draft to get two quality players. The local ties to Corey Hertzog seem tough to pass still but do they need another young Generation adidas striker here? I still believe they need work on their defense and that is the wiser move at number 5. Grabbing some offense with the 23rd pick or even that late round pick wouldn’t be bad.

I think a playmaker would be nice to get in the second round though. Other than Sebastien Le Toux they really lacked one of those last season. Taking some pressure off him would be a big thing moving forward in 2011.

New England Revolution

Draft picks: 6, 24, 39, 42, 54

Loaded with picks, just late picks. Which could be great if Steve Nicol can return to his super draft picking abilities that we’ve seen from him in the past. We know he loves players from the ACC so don’t be shocked to see him go for one early at number 6 if he can. I think their top needs however still reside up top as they haven’t had a true striker in a couple years since Taylor Twellman first got hurt. Addressing that issue has to be done this winter in this draft.

With the later round picks adding depth in the midfield and in the back wouldn’t hurt at all. The team has some areas to fill like possibly a backup keeper (I’m not so high on Shuttlesworth).

Houston Dynamo

Draft picks: 7

Typical one draft pick for Dominic Kinnear but at least this time around its an early one that he can snag a quality player with. This club has wholes all around but could probably use either a strong center back or another striker with this pick. Neither would shock me if they went that direction. If I were them I’d try to make it count a much as possible. Hard to believe it but we are getting at the point that a bad draft could doom you for a season.

Chicago Fire

Draft picks: 9, 45, 49, 51

Signing a defender from the D-2 league today doesn’t mean they won’t take a defender at number 9. They need depth in the back and someone who can be a game changer defensively. However if a top flight striker is still available here they’d have trouble not going that direction too with the losses they took this winter up top.

Having some late picks could still serve this club well. They had a solid draft a season ago due to some of their late picks (like keeper Sean Johnson).

Sporting Kansas City

Draft picks: 10, 32, 46

KC took a hit all over their locker room this winter when they lost Jimmy Conrad. They’re hoping to land one of the two top center backs to replace Conrad but that won’t be easy considering who is drafting above them. They could settle for some defensive help on the outside if A.J. Soares or Jahil Anibana aren’t available when they pick.

Adding some depth in the midfield would also be nice for this club as I think they’ll be pretty solid offensively next year with the addition of Omar Bravo.

Seattle Sounders FC

Draft picks: 11, 21, 27, 29, 47

A lot of second round picks could seriously set this club up well for the 2011 season depth wise. I think they need to focus on adding some creativity in the midfield with their first pick though. In the second round they’ll be able to grab defensive depth as well as some players to play on the wings or even up top if needed.

I still think grabbing a keeper in this draft has to happen at some point for them too. They can gamble on taking Zac MacMath early if he is still on the board or wait and get a solid keeper in the second round.

Columbus Crew

Draft picks: 12, 28, 48

They are rebuilding and let’s face it their draft last year was pretty bad (sure Bright Dike had a nice season last year in Portland and is now with the MLS side but come on, that was a reach of a pick that never worked for them). Still they have to do better this year and can with their three picks. I think grabbing some defensive help with their first pick is a must. After that they can concentrate on improving their offense.

New York Red Bulls

Draft picks: 13, 25, 30, 38

For a team that made so many headlines in 2010, this winter has been rather dull out of them. Hans Backe had one of the best drafts last year in recent memory and will look to repeat that this week. It will be interesting to see how drafting later will suit him and his staff. They snagged so many quality picks last year.

With the loss of Juan Pablo Angel they could use another striker to boost the depth of that area. Also adding some defensive depth is a must I would think. I’d also like to see them improve their keeper selection as well. You got to think if MacMath is still here that they’d go for him to have an improvement over Bouna Condoul.

Real Salt Lake

Draft picks: 14, 52

Quality club that really hasn’t lost much of anything this winter. They could add a striker at number 14 to replace Robbie Findley. I know they’d love to get a GA player if all possible here too, no matter which one is there. I still think however they’ll end up picking a striker here to help their run in the CCL later this spring. They need all the offense they can get for that run too since they sound serious about going for the title in it.

San Jose Earthquakes

Draft picks: 15, 33

Boy this club has lost a lot this winter and has yet to add anything in return. They need depth in a lot of areas too I think. Adding some strike force to go with Chris Wondolowski is a must. With plenty of quality strikers still to be around at this spot they’ll be hard pressed not to take one. However if a creative player in the midfield is around they could go that direction too.

LA Galaxy

Draft picks: 16, 34, 50

I still think some midfield depth is key for them even with the loss of Buddle. I got a gut feeling they’ll work out a deal with Juan Pablo Angel here but they still need depth up top. Sure they got Adam Cristman today but that isn’t a deal that will excite the locals. Drafting some depth up top will help in the long run too. I also believe they need to fill some holes in the midfield as well. They could take a chance on someone like UNC’s Stephen McCarthy if he is still around by this time.

FC Dallas

Draft picks: 17, 35, 53

Schellas Hyndman found some amazing depth last year out of Zac Loyd and Eric Alexander in the draft. With only three picks he’ll have to be just as creative again. Right now the club needs some help up top with Jeff Cunningham gone to where ever. I think they’ll either pick a guy to play up top or someone who can be creative from the wings with their first selection.

After that grabbing some defensive depth would be nice for their busier season in 2011.

Colorado Rapids

Draft picks: 18, 36

The champs only have two picks but I think they’ll find ways to make the most out of them here. Drafting some defensive help or some speed on the wings are probably a big deal. Also getting another striker could be key too at number 18. If Omar Cummings ends up going to Europe for good in the summer they’ll need all the offensive help that they can get for their CCL games.

Toronto FC

Draft picks: 26, 43, 44

Not the best way to rebuild a bit with late draft picks. I think that is a huge part of why Houston has struggled in the last year or so as they haven’t had any early picks to build solid depth. Toronto could be in that boat here unless Paul Mariner gets creative and crafty here.

Where do you begin with them though? Offensive needs work up top, defense has holes to fill and the midfield could use some help on the wings.

The MLS Combine is nearly here as it will kick off later today down in Florida. The SuperDraft itself is a mere six days away and it seems like we’re only just getting started here with all of this. Its been a busy week for me here with work and other draft related items. On Tuesday I helped provide commentary for SBNation’s live mock draft. The recap of that is linked here, for my comments just view any of the picks and you’ll see them there.

For the most part that mock draft went pretty well. Only a couple real shockers here and there but those guys know the needs of their teams. Since my last mock draft some changes were made to the list of players attending the Combine and the Generation adidas list (though the league hasn’t confirmed this part yet).

I should also have a draft piece on FCDallas.com later today or early next week. When I have that link I’ll be sure to post it here.

Now to the real fun. Mock SuperDraft version 3.0 (view 2.0 here), the Pre-Combine mock draft. After more time evaluating players this week and talking with folks and other bloggers I have some changes to my mock draft. No doubt after this weekend we’ll have a better sense of who will be taking who and what not after the Combine is over. Until then my picks are mostly based on team needs and rumors I’ve picked up over the last week from various clubs.

2011 WVH Mock Draft

(* = Generation adidas)

1. Vancouver Whitecaps – Darlington Nagbe*, F, Akron

Still no change for me here on Nagbe being number one. Most folks agree he’s the top pick in this year’s draft. I’m a bit shocked he is sitting out the Combine this weekend though. Vancouver is denying they are picking him because of this (similar to Danny Mwanga last year with Philadelphia). The fact remains Vancouver needs an impact striker and Nagbe will certainly be just that.

2. Portland Timbers – Perry Kitchen*, M, Akron

Kitchen remains the Timbers pick for me for a number of reasons. First of all an expansion team has to love a player like Kitchen who can play multiple positions. Second of all he’s easily the best long-term prospect in this draft.

3. D.C. United – Will Bruin*, F, Indiana

This is a pick that is changing for me. I thought for a while that D.C. would go defensive here but signs keep pointing to United signing an experienced defender so the need won’t be there at the draft. Attacking needs are still there though and Bruin is likely the second-most ready striker of the bunch in this draft (after Nagbe). I know some will think taking Salgado makes more sense long-term for D.C. but I see Ben Olsen going for someone who can contribute more right away.

4. Chivas USA - Kofi Sarkodie*, D, Akron

Sarkodie only slides down a spot for me. New head coach Robin Fraser will surely go defensive with this pick and grabbing the best defender in this draft makes the most sense. Sarkodie can get forward in the attack and help cover on the wings. Oh and he’ll surely make Chivas fans forget Jonathan Bornstein in a hurry.

5. Philadelphia Union – Zarek Valentin*, D, Akron

I know, where is the Hertzog pick? Well the more you think about it the less it makes sense. So enter Valentin, another local kid that can play both centerback and on the right side. He’d be an instant upgrade to a defense that had it’s share of issues last year.

6. New England Revolution – Corey Hertzog*, F, Penn State

He slips for me but only to New England. The Revs have to do something about their offense this year and Hertzog would be a solid addition for Steve Nicol. He could take senior forward Justin Meram if he has a strong enough Combine but getting a striker that won’t count against the cap has to be something the Revs will like.

7. Houston Dynamo – Omar Salgado, F, Generation adidas

Salgado has a lot to prove here but I would really love to see him under Dom Kinnear. I know my previous picks for Houston were defense but let’s face it their offense was a wreck last season and the best defenders are off the board at this point, grabbing someone like Salgado makes sense for them.

8. Vancouver Whitecaps (via Toronto) – Michael Nanchoff*, M, Akron

I still like the idea of this pick for Vancouver. I know the SBnation mock draft had another WVH fave in Michael Farfan from UNC here, which made sense but grabbing two GA players is never easy to do in a draft and the potential in Nanchoff long-term has to excite guys like Tom Soehn.

9. Chicago Fire - A. J. Soares, D, California

No change yet again for Chicago here. They will be hoping to land a GA but grabbing the best senior defender on the board has to be something they’ll look to do here. They do have needs up front but their defense has to be the top priority in this draft with their first pick.

10. Sporting Kansas City – Jalil Anibaba, D, UNC

Defensive work is what they need and Anibaba easily rivals Soares as the best senior defender in this draft. With Jimmy Conrad now with Chivas they need to work fast on improving that back line.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Anthony Ampaipitakwong, M, Akron

After hearing from some Seattle guys that they won’t pick a keeper (Zac MacMath) with their first pick this one is likely the best option for them. Ampai fills the creative role that is lacking in their midfield and he’s also a quick player that helps fill the loss of Sanna Nyassi.

12. Columbus Crew – Michael Tetteh*, D, UCSB

The amount of depth lost in their defense last year has me worried. They could go a number of directions with this pick but grabbing one of the last remaining GA players seems like wise move for Robert Warzycha. He’ll fill need of an attacking defender like Frankie Hejduk. Tetteh could still break into the top ten with a strong Combine though.

13. New York Red Bulls – Michael Farfan, M, UNC

Back to New York goes Farfan for me. He fits more here with New York as it as anyways. They need an attacking midfielder and he’s certainly the best one available at this point.

14. Real Salt Lake – Zac MacMath*, GK, Maryland

Yes the mock draft from SBnation got me thinking about this pick but for good reasons. RSL has told me they want to pick a GA player if one is available and giving MacMath someone like Nick Rimando to study under makes plenty of sense. Let’s face it too, RSL doesn’t have all that many needs in this draft as it is so adding someone who you know will be great for you in games in the CCL and what not make sense. I view MacMath as the Stefan Frei of this draft, he should go really high but he won’t due to team needs.

15. San Jose Earthquakes – Justin Meram, F, Michigan

Meram could go really high depending on his Combine this weekend. But I still find him going to San Jose. The pick makes loads of sense for the Quakes and Meram should be a solid player on the next level.

16. LA Galaxy – Steven McCarthy, M, UNC

No change once again here for me and LA. I love the idea of a big (6’4″) player getting on the end of a of a set piece from Landon Donovan (or David Beckham).

17. FC Dallas – Ashley McInnes, F, Tulsa

Schellas Hyndman loves players who can play in more than one spot. McInnes to me is a replacement for Atiba Harris on the wings and up top. I know the club is looking for a midfielder this winter too but I see them filling this need with their first pick in the draft by going on the offensive.

18. Colorado Rapids – Michael Boxell, D, UCSB

With some losses they suffered around the expansion draft in the back, the Rapids will need to pull in some depth in the back to help bulk up their roster for the busy 2011 season. Boxell is the best defender on the board at this point too.

———————————————-

A few changes here and there from the previous mock draft. A lot could still change after this weekend too though seeing how five of the Generation adidas players won’t be at the Combine this weekend makes it all the more interesting. I’ll have my final mock draft up next Wednesday too, I may even do the first two rounds depending on how time goes then for me.

A few things to keep in mind as we gear up for the Combine too. There could be some trades that take place that shake this draft up, something I kind of hope for honestly as it will be things more interesting here. Also the new additions to the Combine in the international side of things will be fun to watch too. Where Wayne Rooney’s little brother John will go should be a story worth following. SBNation.com draft had him going to Vancouver in the second round.

SBI is reporting that UCSB head coach Tim von Steeg has confirmed with him that Tetteh will be the 10th player on the Generation adidas class and will be at the MLS Combine this weekend.

I had left Tetteh off my latest Mock draft because there were indications that he wouldn’t be signing with the league this year. Now that he has there is little question that he will be a first round target. I should have another mock draft up later this week but in the meantime tune in to SBNation.com for a live mock draft. I’ll be providing commentary after each pick.

Last month MLS Competition Committee approved a League initiative to sign non-collegiate players for participation in the adidas MLS Player Combine and the SuperDraft presented by adidas.  Non-collegiate players that have signed include: midfielder Paolo Cardozo (Uruguay), forward Victor Estupinan (Ecuador), midfielder Marlon Ganchozo (Ecuador), midfielder Martin Rivas (Argentina), and midfielder John Rooney (England).

However five Generation adidas players will not be competing in the Combine. University of Akron forward and Generation adidas player Darlington Nagbe will not participate in combine but is eligible for selection in the SuperDraft. Four other Generation adidas players will not participate in Combine because they are in camp with the Under-20 National Team in South Florida: Perry Kitchen, Zac MacMath, Omar Salgado, and Zarek Valentin.

The rosters and game schedules for the adidas MLS Player Combine follow:

2011 adidas MLS Player Combine Player Additions:

2011 adidas MLS Player Combine Rosters:

*Rosters are subject to change

MLS PLAYER COMBINE GAME SCHEDULE

All times eastern and schedule is subject to change. All games will be held on the Main Event Field

Saturday, January 8

1:45 p.m.          AdiPower vs AdiPure     Central Broward Regional Park

3:30 p.m.          Jabulani vs AdiZero       Central Broward Regional Park

Monday, January 10

11:15 a.m.         AdiPure vs. Jabulani      Central Broward Regional Park

1:00 p.m.          AdiPower vs. AdiZero    Central Broward Regional Park

Tuesday, January 11

11:15 a.m.         AdiPower vs. Jabulani   Central Broward Regional Park

1:00 p.m.          AdiPure vs. AdiZero      Central Broward Regional Park

Just as the league officially announced the Generation adidas class this afternoon, they also announced the signing of several college seniors for next month’s SuperDraft.

Michael Farfan, Stephen McCarthy, and Jalil Anibaba from the University of North Carolina join California defender A.J. Soares to the short list of early signings.

We had word earlier in the week from UNC that the three Tar Heel players were signed with the league and on Monday Soares announced on his twitter feed that he signed. All four players were recently projected to go in the first round in my latest mock draft.

Who’s next to join them? Likely Akron’s Anthony Ampaipitakwong is up next to sign with the league before the Combine. I’d imagine there will be a couple others joining him too but I haven’t heard any other names at the moment.

We mentioned late last week before Christmas that the 2011 Generation adidas class was close to being finalized. It looks as though today the class has taken it’s full shape. Akron freshman Perry Kitchen and his teammate, junior Kofi Sarkodie were the final two pieces to the GA puzzle.

Those two bring the class total up to nine for the year. They will join fellow Akron standouts Darlingon Nagbe, Zarek Valentin and Michael Nanchoff, Indiana’s Will Bruin, Maryland’s Zac MacMath and Penn State’s Corey Hertzog. U.S. Under-20 striker Omar Salgado is also a member of the class.

All of these players should go fairly early in the first round. I had nearly all of them going in the top 10 in my previous mock draft that was posted yesterday. I’ll likely have another mock draft up early next week. Also just a programming note I’ll be doing commentary on the SBNation.com mock draft next week as well. I’ll have more information on that later on for you all.