Conor Casey and Pablo Mastroeni will be called to lead again in 2010. (Getty Images)

We’re moving on in our look at each Major League Soccer roster to see where all the clubs are at in their pre-season. So far we’ve looked at Philadelphia, Chicago and Chivas USA. Today we stay out west and look at Gary Smith’s Colorado Rapids.

Last season had some ups and downs for the Rapids. Offensively at times they looked like they could not be stopped with Conor Casey and Omar Cummings leading the charge but injuries got in the way of post season glory for this bunch.

The winter months have given Smith and his club some time to make some moves and so far they’ve been pretty active. I still see this club making more moves before the season kicks off next month. But lets see how they are doing at each position right now.

Keepers:

Who they have: Matt Pickens and Steward Ceus

Notes: After Pickens things get pretty thin for the Rapids. No doubt they probably have a couple keepers in camp to fill that third keeper spot behind Ceus. I would imagine this isn’t a huge area of concern or we’d hear about them making deals for a backup or even a starter at this point in the winter.  If I were them I’d be looking for a quality back up to pressure Pickens. I like Pickens but part of me thinks they could do better here.

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Defense:

Who they have: Drew Moor, Ty Harden, Julien Baudet, Michael Holody, Scott Paguta, and Chad Borak.

Notes: Another thin area for this club on paper but with guys like Pablo Mastroeni and Jeff Larentowicz on your roster you’re able to keep less defenders in a way. Some rumblings this winter have suggested that Mastroeni will be moved to the backline now that Larentowicz is in town. I think this is a good move for both parties as Mastroeni has started to show his age a bit in recent years and a move out of the midfield may be a wise thing.

Still if that doesn’t happen this group is incredibly thin. I like Baudet and sorta like Moor and Holody but that’s about it for me with this bunch. I think Smith and the front office need to get some more depth in this area or else they will have another up and down season. We saw last year that this group was decent but not nearly good enough to take on the top offenses in the league.

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Midfield:

Who they have: Wells Thompson, Greg Dalby, Jeff Larentowicz, Mehdi Ballouchy, Pablo Mastroeni, Ciaran O’Brien, Jamie Smith, Nick LaBrocca, Colin Clark, Kosuke Kimura, and Ross LaBaux.

Notes: Parts I like include Thompson, Clark, Mastroeni, Larentowicz, LaBrocca, and Smith. After that I’m not entirely sure about this group. Look when everyone was healthy last year this group was as good as any but injuries showed their lack of depth in a big way.

I like the addition of Thompson and Larentowicz this offseason, they both should add the right parts that were missed last year at key moments.

Hopefully for the fans there and for the league we get to see Clark healthy here, I really believe he is one of those guys that has the potential to be a big deal in this league. We’ve seen moments out of him where he is special but injuries just killed it for us all last year with him.

I’d still like to see the Rapids go elsewhere in terms of their playmaker in the midfield. I’ve never been a Ballouchy guy and I probably never will be. He did improve last year but I think its time for them to move away and find someone that can create offense on a consistent basis.

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Forwards:

Who they have: Conor Casey, Omar Cummings, Andre Akpan, Facundo Diz, Pat Noonan, and Ross Schunk.

Notes: When they are on their game Casey and Cummings are the best pairing in the league, hands down. But as we saw at times last year they can get off track in a heart beat if the midfield isn’t in line or if the defense is giving up too much.

I still have to wonder if Casey’s head is on straight here and if he and Smith got everything sorted out after his little outburst after the season ended. At times this winter it sounded like he was going out of town but the rest of the time things were quiet.

The more I looked at their draft the more I did start to like the Akpan pick. It wasn’t great at the time but he was the best player available when they first picked in the second round. He isn’t ready to go just yet but towards the end of this year we’ll see how valuable this pick really can be.

As long as Casey and Cummings return to their stellar midseason form from 2009 the Rapids should be fine in this department.

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Overall:

I think this season still has a lot of ups and downs written all over this bunch. They’ve improved in certain areas but not addressing their defense as much as I’d like this offseason worries me a bit. I know adding Larentowicz is a defensive move but the backline still needs work in my eye. This club is either going to frustrate people with their midfield or they will struggle against top clubs yet again because of their midfield.

Lets face it this is a big year for the Rapids, no playoffs in three years is a dry spell for any club and with more clubs in the league it will only get harder. I believe the Rapids aren’t done this offseason though so it should be interesting how they fill their holes in the final month before the new year.

So after a few weeks of doing this mock draft it is time for the fifth and final one. Weeks of speculation have come to this as tomorrow the league will hold its annual draft. I’ve gone back and forth for weeks over how teams will pick tomorrow and there is a chance I may be right about a few of them.

Unlike years before it seems like the draft order we have for the first couple rounds is what we will get tomorrow. Not many clubs seems to be trading with one another yet but as we all know anything could change tomorrow with just one single trade.

Two teams to keep an eye on though are Dallas and Toronto. I’ve heard for a while TFC really wants to trade up and get Bunbury early in the draft. That means they’ll need either NY or San Jose’s pick. As for Dallas I could see them deal one of their picks to NY so they can get Dilly Duka.

So with no more delay I give you my final mock draft. Feel free to leave you comments below.

2010 WVH Mock Draft

(* = underclassmen)
(! = Generation adidas signing)

1. Philadelphia Union – Danny Mwanga*!, F, Oregon State

No change here, Mwanga was not at the Combine because he was told he would be the first pick. The kid will have some serious pressure to produce though with the reports going around that his Generation adidas deal is worth near $200,000.

2. New York Red Bulls – Tony Tchani*!, M, Virginia

Yes, as I mentioned the other day I am off the Duka bandwagon. Not because of what people like Ives or other writers out there has said but because of how new GM Eric Soler is handling this draft. He’s looking toward Richie Williams more to help him with this draft and get to know the American players. Smart move Eric. As for Tchani over Opara it comes down to two things: Opara staying in school until May to finish his degree and Tchani was a beast at the Combine.

3. San Jose Earthquakes – Ike Opara*!, D, Wake Forest

The Quakes still land Opara for me though I honestly would be shocked at all if they deal this pick tomorrow. Why? Because for some reason the Quakes haven’t taken the draft serious since they came back into the league. They’d be wise however to hang on and get Opara to improve that horrible defense from last year. But with Opara one has to wonder if his returning to school until May will send him further down this draft list or not.

4. Kansas City Wizards – Teal Bunbury*!, F, Akron

Second-worst in goals scored in 2009 means you need offensive help. Enter Bunbury who is ever bit as good as Mwanga and will benefit from learning off of guys like Claudio Lopez and Josh Wolff.

5. FC Dallas (from Toronto FC) – Corben Bone*!, M/F, Wake Forest

Bone slides back up for me here in the final mock draft. He’s a Dallas product that can contribute early for Schellas Hyndman. That’s key for a coach that really doesn’t want too many more  young players at the moment.

6. FC Dallas – Zach Loyd, M/D, UNC

I asked a two people I knew at the Combine who was one of the most MLS-ready players there and both said Loyd. Go over and read any Combine report from MLS Insider or SBI or Goal.com and they each say great things about Loyd. Big thing that Hyndman will love about Loyd is he can play so many positions. I’m sure he will fit in where ever he is placed in Dallas. (Note: I wouldn’t be shocked at all if Dallas trades this pick to NY so they can get Duka)

7. DC United – Dilly Duka*!, M, Rutgers/U-20

I honestly went back and forth and back and forth again on this pick. Really DC has so many areas that they need help in both offensive and defensive. The thing is with Curt Onalfo on board as head coach I think he leans offensive in this pick. Duka had a solid enough Combine and most agree he’s put himself somewhere in the top ten. Yes I know this pick would drive New York fans nuts.

8. Columbus Crew (from Colorado) – Jack McInerney, F, U-17 MNT

This one may be a stretch but I’ve lots of good things about McInerney from the Combine. It seems like no matter what he was moving up the boards this week and into the top ten. The Crew need a striker and McInerney may be the perfect fit for them here. They could go with Andre Akpan but I think a prospect like McInerney may be too tough to pass up here.

9. New England Revolution – Toni Stahl, M, UConn

I’ve been sitting on this pick for a while and I haven’t come close to changing it. Stahl will be a starter on day one, mark it down.

10. Chivas USA – Amobi Okugo*!, M, UCLA

I came close to moving Okugo up to seven or eight on this board but at the end I decided to stick with what I’ve had for a few weeks here with Chivas. Okugo helps provide some serious cover for the defensive part of the midfield.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Andre Akpan, F, Harvard

A lot of people said Akpan show the least at the Combine. Sometimes players do that when they go into the Combine with a contract in hand. I see Sigi Schmid snatching him up here in the process though. The Sounders need some attacking help and Akpan brings quality size and speed to the table.

12. Columbus Crew – Blair Gavin*!, M, Akron

Still no change in me with Gavin. He’ll fall anywhere between 10 and 14 from what most are saying and this pick falls right in the middle of that. He’ll bring some solid depth to an already good midfield there in Columbus.

13. Chicago Fire – Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn

I said last week I was waiting to see exactly what kind of Combine this kid would have. I knew his talents were there and he showed them off very well apparently. He’s played himself into being the second defender taken in tomorrow’s draft. Good thing for the Fire too because we know they need the defensive help here. (Note: He did suffer a pretty bad injury at the Combine, no word on how long it will keep him out.)

14. New York Red Bulls (from Houston) – Austin de Luz, M, Wake Forest

Look for the Red Bulls to make a play on this pick and try to move up in the first round to still get Duka. It wouldn’t shock me at all to see them trade with Dallas at number six to get him but maybe more on that later. If not I think this is where they go to by adding a creative midfielder like de Luz. Yes defense is an issue but my gut feeling is they’ll look outside of MLS to get defensive help this winter.

15. LA Galaxy – Andrew Wiedeman*!, F, Cal

Wiedeman reportedly had the worst Combine of any first round player. I see him slipping this far to Bruce Arena and the Galaxy who will be taking a striker with this pick. We could also see Bruce go for Wake Forest striker Zach Schilawski.

16. Real Salt Lake – Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest

If Schilawski goes to the Galaxy just flip the Wiedeman pick here. Either way they go with a striker at 16 as well.

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Second Round

17. Philadelphia Union – Kyle Nakazawa, M, UCLA

Philly adds some midfield pieces here with Nakazawa. Remember assistant coach John Hackworth is very familiar with Nakazawa from his days coaching the 2005 U.S. Under-17 World Cup team.If he’s already taken I could see them grab UCLA’s Michael Stephens here.

18. New York Red Bulls – Drew Yates, M, Maryland

A lot depends on if they do end up trading around to get Duka here but if not I see them adding a guy that really impressed at the Combine. Some will have him going late in the first round but I kind of still see him as a second round selection here.

19. San Jose Earthquakes – Michael Stephens, M, UCLA

No change from last week for me here. I don’t think Stephens played his way into the first round but he’ll still fall somewhere early in the second round. The Quakes would do themselves a favor by taking him too.

20. Kansas City Wizards – Sean Johnson*!, GK, Central Florida

I still love the idea of KC going this direction. Obviously a lot depends on if they still get Bunbury with that first pick but I’d say they still will which means they’ll be able to focus on other areas like the future of their defense with Johnson in goal. He had a good enough Combine to get him selected somewhere early in the second round.

21. FC Dallas (From Toronto) – Paulo da Silva, M, SMU

I kind of expect Dallas to move this pick. If not I still see this happening.

22. Colorado Rapids (From FCD) – Collen Warner, M/F, Portland

Warner may have been able to play himself into the first round at the Combine in some eyes but I still think he falls to Colorado here. He’s a local product from Denver and would be a good fit in the Mile High City.

23. Colorado Rapids (From DC) – Nick Cardenas, D, San Diego State

Another Colorado native the Rapids would be wise to look at here. The Rapids need some defensive cover and with Cardenas’ size they could do no wrong with this pick.

24. Toronto FC (From Colorado) – Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana

Will Mo trade up or won’t he that will be the biggest question on everyone’s mind tomorrow. I just have trouble seeing him find a way to get into the first round with so few items to actually trade away. Toronto needs defense though like no other and Sarkodie stock fell a little at the Combine but he’ll still go sometime in the second round here.

25. New England Revolution – Brain Perk, GK, UCLA

I still see New England grabbing a keeper with this pick. Perk has the tools to be a special keeper in this league and he’ll do well to learn under one of the league’s best in Matt Reis.

26. Chivas USA – Justin Morrow, D, Notre Dame

Morrow had a very nice Combine which will help him move into a second round selection tomorrow. Good thing too for Chivas because they do need some defensive help and Morrow will be a great fit for their team. He shows ability to get forward which Martin Vasquez will like.

27. Seattle Sounders FC – Irving Garcia, M, UC-Irvine

Lots of good came out of the Combine for this kid. It was already a second rounder in my mind and I think Seattle will have little issue taking a guy that could end up being one of the better players in this draft. His size isn’t there but the natural ability is impressive.

28. San Jose Earthquakes (From Dallas, RSL) – Chris Schuler, D, Creighton

Schuler dips a little for me in this draft but not too much. He’s a quality defender that should still be a second round selection that the Quakes will take if they don’t deal away this pick.

29. Chicago Fire – Ryan Petterman, D, San Diego

Another defender? Yes and here is why, Petterman is an outside back that loves to get forward. With little attacking options left on the board this is a pick that could really pay off for them.

30. San Jose Earthquakes (From Houston) – Jovan Bubonja, GK, Illinois-Chicago

Apparently he had one of the worst Combines of any keeper. He would have been a possibly first rounder last year and now he is in danger of falling out into the third round this year. San Jose needs a keeper for the future and I still think Bubonja would be a good fit here.

31. New York Red Bulls (From LA) – Two-Boys Gumede, M, UAB

People see him as one of the better wing players in this draft. New York will likely take a gamble here if this pick isn’t traded away.

32. Real Salt Lake – Zachary Herold*!, D, U-17 MNT

Some have Herold almost in the first round and others think he’s barely a second round pick. I still think he falls here to RSL. They’ll take a gamble on him as a prospect player for the future.

Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! Only two weeks left until the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. A little time has passed since the last Mock Draft but a lot has changed in terms of Generation adidas signings which will cause some changes at the top of the order. I’ve also had a chance to speak with a few folks around the league about their club’s selections which has helped change a couple things here and there as well.

There are a few things that still aren’t clear because of a couple club’s coaching situations. Both New York and Chicago are still a bit dicy in where they could go right now in this draft. Some don’t agree with what I’ve said about New York taking Dilly Duka with their first pick considering how much help they really need right now. I’m still standing by that pick until someone with the club gives me a better reason not to predict it here.

Anyways, below is the third edition of the WVH Mock Draft. Feel free to leave you comments below.

2010 WVH Mock Draft

(* = underclassmen)
(! = Generation adidas signing)

1. Philadelphia Union – Danny Mwanga*!, F, Oregon State

In my first mock draft I didn’t have enough together on this kid but the more I read into, watched film of him and talked with folks around the league the clearer it became, this kid is special. So special that its been reported that he has signed the highest GA contract that the league has ever given out. Now that’s not be the full reason why I am jumping him to the top spot. No, folks in Philly have told me Peter Nowak and company are very high on him and are wanting to take him first overall right now.

2. New York Red Bulls – Dilly Duka*!, M, Rutgers/U-20

Some will have Ike Opara here and for good reason but I’m sticking with my hunch that Duka still goes here at number two. Come on, it’s New York we’re talking about here. Their track record of draft picks aren’t always great here and we know for a fact Duka really wants to be in New York.

3. San Jose Earthquakes – Ike Opara*!, D, Wake Forest

He hasn’t officially signed a GA contract but apparently he is very close to doing so. Should New York wise up and not take Duka at number two Opera will likely go there but for now he falls to number three with San Jose. Even though the Quakes typically don’t care much for the draft there is no doubt they’d love to see him fall here as their defense really needs a boost.

4. Kansas City Wizards – Teal Bunbury*!, F, Akron

I don’t see much change in this selection from last week here. Bunbury is likely a top five pick, I even saw him going as high as number one on a few draft boards. With Mwanga now in this draft class Bunbury will likely be the second striker taken in this draft. Not a bad deal if you’re a Wizard’s fan though to see him fall here. KC could still go with Virginia’s Tony Tchani.

5. FC Dallas (from Toronto FC) – Tony Tchani*!, M, Virginia

I’m starting to get a sense that Dallas could really package their two picks to move up. Now the question becomes who to trade with? New York could be the likely candidate but so could the Quakes. For now I’ll stick with Dallas and their two picks here. Tchani falls to five here and I see him providing a bid boost to the midfield in Dallas.

6. FC Dallas – Andre Akpan, F, Harvard

Here is a change though for us. I’ve gone back and forth between Corbon Bone, Akpan and Toni Stahl here. The more I gather around Dallas is that if they do keep the two picks a striker will be one of them and Akpan makes a load of sense here. He’s a local boy the club could actually market around and he’s got loads of experience that Schellas Hyndman is looking for.

7. DC United – Corben Bone*!, M/F, Wake Forest

Its tough to believe Bone could slide all the way down here but if KC doesn’t snatch him at four I think this is a likely destination for Bone. I know I got ripped last week for saying DC could take a keeper here (though I still see that as a pressing need for the club). Bone fills some needs in the midfield though. He provides some much needed youth. DC should go defensively here but with Onalfo now on board I think Bone is the likely pick here.

8. Columbus Crew (from Colorado) – Andrew Wiedeman*!, F, Cal

I could see the Crew take a chance on UCLA’s Okugo here with this pick and develop him as a long-term project but something tells me the Crew have to go offensive minded with this pick. Wiedeman will be the best option on the board at this point and a lot of people think he will be a lot like Chris Pontius in year one in terms of production.

9. New England Revolution – Toni Stahl, M, UConn

Stahl could still go to Dallas with one of their two picks but I think he slips down to New England here at number nine. Steve Nicol typically goes for quality mature players over long-term projects. I see no change in that style of drafting this year out of him. Stahl could end up being a replacement for the potential loss of Jeff Larentowicz.

10. Chivas USA – Amobi Okugo*!, M, UCLA

I had Okugo going here last time around and see no change this week. Martin Vasquez gets his first big project as manager here with Okugo. Some folks around the league have told me Okugo plays beyond his years as an 18-year old right now. I wouldn’t be shocked if he could start on day one for Chivas here.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Austin de Luz, M, Wake Forest

No change here in my mind for Seattle and their pick. de Luz seems like a guy that could add some quality depth to Sigi Schmid’s midfield. The fact that he can play both in the middle and on the wings gives him a good chance to go here.

12. Columbus Crew – Blair Gavin*!, M, Akron

I’ve heard that some folks in Columbus really like Gavin. Part of me thinks they’ll still go defensive with their second pick but the other half of me sees them take a midfielder like Gavin here. They could also go for UNC defender/midfielder Zach Loyd.

13. Chicago Fire – Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana

Now this is a pick that should make Fire fans happy. I think a lot still depends on who ends up coaching this club but the holes in the back are a little bigger than the holes in the front for this bunch. Losing a couple key centerbacks this winter will cause them to go defensive. I could still see them take Gavin if he falls here or even a striker like McInerney.

14. New York Red Bulls (from Houston) – Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn

If New York doesn’t take him here I still see him going to the Red Bulls with their first pick in the second round (number 18 overall). Even though there are some other defensive prospects like newly signed Generation adidas player Zachary Herold (US U-17) I think the Red Bulls will draft a guy that can step in right away rather than take a long-term pick.

15. LA Galaxy – Jack McInerney, M, U-17 MNT

Sticking with my hunch that McInerney goes here to Bruce Arena and LA. I know LA could also go for a striker that is left on the board but this pick really seems more likely to me at this point.

16. Real Salt Lake – Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest

RSL is a club I go back and forth on here but the more I hear from folks out there the more it sounds like they are leaning on taking a guy with experience rather than a project player. Schilawski fills a need up top for RSL and gives them someone that can step in early and contribute.

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As mentioned there were some big changes all around the board, especially at the top with Mwanga. A lot will still change and we are waiting to see if guys like Luis Gil end up signing a GA contract too. I’ve been one to leave him off my mock draft because there hasn’t been a definite word either way on Gil signing with the league. If he does look for him to be a first round pick.

We’re starting to see a lot of kids stick around right now and sign with MLS instead of going to Europe. It seems like this year more than anything we’ve only gotten word of a handful of quality players bolting for Europe over MLS. It looks like the trend that we’ve seen where players go to Europe and fail to do well is starting to set in with some guys who’d rather get playing time in MLS than sit on a bench in Europe.

Lastly, some folks have also asked me to do two rounds of picks instead of just the first. Around the combine I will probably step up the mock drafts around here and do two rounds instead of just one for you all.

I know version 1.0 was released just last week but a lot has changed since then in terms of players signing with the league and some not signing with the league. With the recent news of a few Generation adidas signings plus a few other rumors out there about other potential signings things needed to be reflected here.

There are changes at the top too. I had said before that I wasn’t totally sold on Philadelphia taking Ike Opara as the top pick and today that change is reflected because of it. I do believe he is still the best player but their needs aren’t in defense right now. It is possible that someone could trade up to that number one spot (maybe Toronto) too.

A lot of things also rest on what New York actually does with their pick at number two. Some believe they won’t take Dilly Duka while some folks like myself can’t see anything but that happening.

Anyways, below is the second edition of the WVH Mock Draft. Feel free to leave you comments below.

2010 WVH Mock Draft

(* = underclassmen)
(! = Generation adidas signing)

1. Philadelphia Union – Corbon Bone*, M/F, Wake Forest

Bone rises up from four to one this time mainly because I see him as a guy that fits a few needs for Philadelphia right away. Not only will he be able to step in and contribute right away but he’s an offensive player that Peter Nowak needs right now. Someone to facilitate things in the midfield.

2. New York Red Bulls – Dilly Duka*!, M, Rutgers/U-20

No change here for New York from last time, I just struggle to see them take anyone else even if Duka isn’t the best player available at this point. Duka wants to be in New York and they’ll make it happen.

3. San Jose Earthquakes – Ike Opara*, D, Wake Forest

Opara slides down to three in my mind right now. Sure New York should grab him at number two but San Jose would love nothing more than to see arguable the best player in the draft slide here. Lots of quality defenders have gone in the three spot over the last couple years like Omar Gonzalez and Tony Beltron.

4. Kansas City Wizards – Teal Bunbury*!, F, Akron

Last time I had Bone here and with him already off the board it makes sense for the Wizards to stay in the offense mind-set with Bunbury. He’s signed with the league as a GA player and would be able to make an impact on day one with the Wizards.

5. FC Dallas (from Toronto FC) – Tony Tchani*, M, Virginia

Tchani slides to number five though I wouldn’t be at all shocked to see Kansas City gobble him at number four. Tchani is a guy that will help out from day one which is why I have him going here. I don’t see Dallas taking two Generation adidas players this year. Schellas Hyndman wants good youth that can contribute right away and Tchani is that.

6. FC Dallas –  Toni Stahl, M, UConn

Even though I have Dallas taking a midfielder at number five I still see Stahl going to Dallas at number six. Some will say Dallas will shop one of the picks but right now something tells me they’ll shop picks in later rounds rather than one of their two first rounders. Stahl adds depth to a midfield that could be losing Dave van den Burgh.

7. DC United – Sean Johnson*, GK, Central Florida

I left him off last week’s mock draft because his signing with the league is still up in the air from what I was hearing at the time. Apparently he is very close to signing now which leads me to believe he will go to DC at number seven. Why DC? I think no matter what they’ll either go with a defender or a keeper. Obviously their keeper situation is a little dicy right now. Johnson could be a starter at day one and he should be a Generation adidas player, which means he won’t count against the salary cap.

8. Columbus Crew (from Colorado) – Andre Akpan, F, Harvard

Last week I had Oregon State’s Danny Mwanga but from reports I’ve seen he’s turned down a few offers that the league has given him to look at trails in Europe. So he’s off the board (for now) and Akpan moves up since the Crew need offense in this draft.

9. New England Revolution – Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest

With Akpan moving up the board Steve Nicol will have to look else where to find some offense so enter Wake Forest’s Schilawski. If Akpan doesn’t fall here this is probably where Nicol and company will go, they typically seem to go for ACC players.

10. Chivas USA – Amobi Okugo*, M, UCLA

A very talented prospect that apparently is close to signing a Generation adidas deal with the league. Should he sign look for him to land with Chivas who could use a young talent like him in the midfield. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him on the field a bunch next season if he does end up with Chivas.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Austin de Luz, M, Wake Forest

I had de Luz going to Chivas last week but he moves one spot down to Seattle. I think he add some depth to their midfield, which is always needed considering the schedule load that the Sounders will get this season with the CCL games.

12. Columbus Crew – Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana

Sarkodie falls from the top ten to number 12 but he’ll go to a very good team in the process. I had the Crew taking a defender in last week’s mock draft and I’m sticking with that thought here. Sarkodie is still a day-one starter in my mind, even for the Crew.

13. Chicago Fire – Blair Gavin*!, M, Akron

This pick will more than likely be sorted out better in the coming weeks as we learn who will be coaching this club. Gavin seems like a solid fit for the Fire too as he will provide some needed depth in the midfield. We could also see them go for Wideman or McInerney here.

14. New York Red Bulls (from Houston) – Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn

I was hot on the Red Bulls will go with a keeper deal last week but after a few changes here I’m staying defensive but going with a center back. Watson-Siriboe will be a starter day-one for this club too.

15. LA Galaxy – Jack McInerney, M, U-17 MNT

I really don’t see any change to this pick from my last mock draft. LA just signed three Brazilian players on loan and adding a Generation adidas player seems logical since he will be kept off the books for the salary cap. I know McInerney is a quality player but I have trouble seeing him go too high in this draft. A lot could change if some at the top don’t sign with the league but for now he seems like a good fit here.

16. Real Salt Lake – Cameron Brown*, M/F, UNC

This is one pick that really is a pure guess on my part at this point. RSL does have a bunch of needs but by sitting at the last spot in the first round really keeps them from grabbing some of the top talent in this draft. I still believe RSL needs offense and will go this direction. Brown is apparently close to a Generation adidas deal here and from what I’ve seen out of him this season he would be a solid pick here for RSL.

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Again, a few changes from last time including the ones at the top. With guys like Danny Mwanga and Luis Gil reportedly going to Europe a few things had to change. I know there are still a few quality players I left off this second mock draft but that could all change if some guys like Tchani, Bone or Opara don’t sign with MLS. Also we have to still consider the coaching changes at Chicago, DC and New York for this draft will shake things up a bit as well.

Is Wake Forest's Ike Opara (far left) going to be the top pick?

We’re about a month out of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft and the draft coverage here on WVHooligan continues to heat up. This will be the first of a few mock drafts that I will conduct over the next few weeks leading up to the draft.

Now a lot can and will change between now and then between the order of teams picking, players coming out of college or staying, or guys heading to Europe instead of MLS. I know the Generation adidas class hasn’t been announced but its worth taking a stab at things. Also keep in mind that some players are underclassmen and they may not come out for the draft. But I will do my best to keep you all updated on that news as it comes out.

2010 WVH Mock Draft

(* = underclassmen)

1. Philadelphia Union – Ike Opara*, D, Wake Forest

Part of me thinks Philly won’t go for Opara if he comes out but seeing how he is arguably the best player (potentially) in this draft class it’s hard not to take him with the first pick. I still think we could see him slide to number three with San Jose though and Union take someone that would fill a need in their midfield like Opara’s teammate Corbon Bone. Just a hunch but for now I’ll stick with Opara at the top spot.

2. New York Red Bulls – Dilly Duka, M, U-20

We know he’s signing with the league. Is there any reason to not think he’ll be a Red Bull next year? Yes there are better players potentially available in this draft pool but Duka wants to be in New York and I just don’t see the Red Bulls going elsewhere right now with this pick.

3. San Jose Earthquakes – Tony Tchani*, M, Virginia

I was very impressed with Tchani during UVA’s College Cup run this year. His size and skill are there. The Quakes have a lot of needs both in defense and in the midfield.  Tchani would certainly be a lift to a club that lacks good possession on the ball. I do think this pick is up for grabs though with San Jose, they could end up trading it away.

4. Kansas City Wizards – Corbon Bone *, M/F, Wake Forest

The Wizards lacked a lot of punch in the midfield last year and Bone would be a perfect fit for them. I could also see them go after Tchani if he is still available when they pick too.

5. FC Dallas (from Toronto) – Teal Bunbury*, F, Akron

I know MLS is chasing this kid hard to sign but I do wonder if he will stick around Akron for another year now that Caleb Porter isn’t leaving. If he does come out I think Dallas uses one of their two picks to get him. I know Dallas already has a speedy striker in Jeff Cunningham but he isn’t getting any younger and Bunbury definitely has the potential to be a goal scoring machine.

6. FC Dallas  - Toni Stahl, M, UConn

Best defensive midfielder in the draft class, could go higher depending on how the Generation adidas class shakes out and how many underclassmen return to school. I put him here with Dallas’s second pick due to their need of a defensive midfielder now that Pablo Ricchetti is on his way out of town. Stahl has the chance to be a guy that could start from day one.

7. DC United – Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana

DC gave up 44 goals last year so why not go for one of the best defenders in this year’s draft? Sarkodie has been on MLS’s radar for years now and he’ll be a starter on day one with this club.

8. Columbus Crew (from Colorado) – Danny Mwanga*, F, Oregon State

Here’s another young striker that the league is really pressing to sign here. His size and speed are something lots of MLS clubs need right now and with the Crew picking here I couldn’t see them go any other way but offense with this pick. They just lost Alejandro Moreno and they need to replace him with someone with a nose for scoring like Mwanga.

9. New England Revolution – Andre Akpan, F, Harvard

Steve Nicol knows how to draft and something tells me Akpan is a guy he will go for in this draft. I know there is potential for Cal’s Andrew Wiedeman to fall here but I still believe Nicol would go with a more polished striker in Akpan over a smaller (more Taylor Twellman-like) Wiedeman.

10. Chivas USA – Austin de Luz, M, Wake Forest

No one saw their stock rise more at the College Cup than De Luz. I think he will fall here to Chivas though who still need some midfield help. De Luz can also contribute offensively and defensively which is nice to have.

11. Seattle Sounders FC –  Andrew Wiedeman*, F, Cal

Seattle lacked some finishing outside of Fredy Montero in 2009. If Wiedeman comes out he’ll be a good project for Sigi Schmid and a good addition to the attack. If he doesn’t come out then they may could look at a longer-term project like a Luis Gil or Jack McInerney.

12. Columbus Crew – Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn

Depth defensively was an issue for the Crew late in the year with injuries to key players in the back like Chad Marshall. I think if the Crew keep this pick they’ll go with someone like Watson-Siriboe who can be a beast in the back. His size and speed aren’t too shabby either. This pick depends a lot on what they do with their earlier pick though. I still feel a trade could happen here.

13. Chicago Fire – Kyle Nakazawa, M, UCLA

He’ll have to ease some worries over his history of injuries but Nakazawa will be able to do that at the Combine. I look for the Fire to go here unless they want a long-term project like a Gil or McInerney. A lot right now with the Fire depends on their coaching situation. Once that gets sorted out this pick will get a little easier.

14. New York Red Bulls (from Houston) – Brian Perk, GK, UCLA

New York has so many pressing needs right now so what they do at 14 could really go a few different ways depending on what is left on the board and who is picking the players. I know NY believes they are “set” at goal with Buana Coundol but I really believe Perk would be a better choice in goal for them. But New York will more than likely go with a pick of the best player available instead of getting something they really do need because they are New York.

15. LA Galaxy – Jack McInerney, M, U-17 MNT

I know McInerney has been made an offer by the league but hasn’t signed anything yet. He’s a big long-term project for whoever takes him. With teams needing impact right away these days it makes a little more sense to me to see a club like LA take him right now rather than someone else who probably wouldn’t develop him properly take him. Though I wouldn’t be shocked to see a club go for him early like Kansas City or DC even though he won’t contribute much early on. I’d rather see Bruce Arena develop the kid.

16. Real Salt Lake – Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest

Aside from one or two picks in RSL history, their draft classes haven’t been good at all. Hopefully the defending champions can start to change that a bit. I think they go with a move to fill the loss of Yura Movsisyan here by selecting Schilawski who is a solid striker from Wake Forest. He’s one of those guys that will need a good Combine though if he wants to stay in the first round range.

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I know there are a lot of things that will change between now and next month’s draft. Some notable players are missing that I know of like Luis Gil, UCLA standout freshman Amobi Okugo (who could be a top five pick) and senior Michael Stephens, plus a few others that I’ve previewed in my watch lists.

A lot of things will happen over the next month so stay tuned!

Andre Akpan could be a beast on the next level. (Harvard photos)

Last week I threw out some names that you may have already heard in line for next year’s MLS SuperDraft and I am back today with a few more. I hope to start making this list at least a twice a month deal up until the draft in January. The response was good from everyone so let’s keep it up as we move forward towards the draft.

Again, some of these kids may go the MLS route and some may not. That we will have to wait and see in a few weeks as the college seasons wrap up.

And just like last week, if you know of some guys that are worthy to be looked at here please email me or send their names to me via Twitter so I can include them in the next batch.

Andre Akpan (Harvard): I think some people were surprised I didn’t include him in the first batch. Well have no fear I remembered Akpan from last year when he didn’t come out of college and go for the MLS draft. With ten goals and five assists on the year Akpan is having yet another stellar season with the Crimson. I’m sure a few clubs are already lining up to try to get this guy in the draft.

Dilly Duka (Rutgers): Most of us know of Duka as the Red Bulls product but one has to wonder if his play in the U-2o World Cup will get him some attention in Europe. He will certainly be a Generation adidas player but I just have a feeling we’ll see him overseas before we see him in MLS. Just a hunch.

Colin Rolfe (Louisville): No this isn’t Chris Rolfe’s younger brother but he’s a name to keep an eye on for the future. Last year’s Big East rookie of the year may not come out this year but believe me if he continues at his current goal scoring pace he will certainly gain some big attention from MLS clubs.

Brenden King (Notre Dame): A member of the 2007 U-17 World Cup team for the US, King is a guy that can certainly hold his own in the midfield. He’s has a quality touch on both feet and if he comes out (he’s a sophomore) he could possibly get attention for a Generation adidas contract.

Michael Stephens (UCLA): While stats won’t jump out at you from Stephens his play certain does. A member of the U-20 national team this year, Stephens may have gained some quality attention for some overseas clubs, if not he will certainly fit in well in MLS. The senior has enjoyed success at all youth levels with the US.

David Walker (UCSB): It seems like every year now we get a guy from UCSB that does well in MLS. This year it was DC United’s Chris Pontius and before him was Columbus’ Andy Iro. I have a feeling Walker will be a guy that we hear a lot about after the Combine. He’s quick and knows his way around goal. I do wonder if he will be turned into an outside midfielder instead of a striker on the pro level but either way he should be fine.

Corben Bone (Wake Forest): Bone is an assist machine, something a few MLS clubs desperately need. Last year he lead the NCAA in assists with 17 and this year he already has another eight to his total. The junior midfielder is the link that keeps things moving for Wake Forest in the middle of the pitch. One has to wonder though if he will stay for another season in Winston-Salem or if he will try his hand at the league.