How will the Fire fare going forward in 2010? (Getty Images)

Today is the start of a new series. As teams get into training camp and new players come on board its worth looking into each club to see how they are stacking up and what else they need to do to get ready for the 2010 season. I got this idea from the post I did a few days back on how the Philadelphia Union were looking. I figured it would be good to do something like that to all the clubs.

I’ll go in alphabetical order here with this series. Now I don’t know if it will be a daily thing or what yet, it all depends on my current work schedule but I do plan on getting each club by the end of February.

Keeper:

Who they have: Jon Busch, Sean Johnson (GA), Andrew Dykstra

Notes: Busch is the main guy we know that and with rookie Sean Johnson waiting in the wings with that Generation adidas contract things should be looking pretty bright in this department for years to come. I honestly don’t know much about Dykstra so it wouldn’t be too shocking to hear if the Fire waive him or send him out on loan this year at some point to get him some playing time.

Defense:

Who they have: CJ Brown, Tim Ward, Wilman Conde, Daniel Woolard, Dasan Robinson, Austin Washington, Kwame Watson-Siriboe, Krzysztof Król, and Steven Kinney.

Notes: Getting Krol and drafting someone like Watson-Siriboe should make up for the losses of Gonzalo Segares and their lack of depth down the stretch in 2009. Conde will obviously still be the rock in the middle and adding Krol to the outside should work. I’m curious to see if Frank Klopas and Carlos de los Cobos add anything else to this group. Its good but not great right now, maybe one more center back would do the trick to keep Jon Busch from having to come up with big games.

Midfield:

Who they have: Logan Pause, Baggio Husidić, John Thorrington, Marco Pappa, Mike Banner, Justin Mapp, Peter Lowry, Corben Bone, Julio Martínez, and Drew Yates.

Notes: I really like what they’ve done to make up for the losses of Blanco and Chris Rolfe this winter so far. Adding Martinez on loan makes up for Rolfe on the wings and getting lucky in the draft by landing Bone was something else. For some reason I really like this group and hope it turns out to be as good as I think they can be in 2010. I’m very curious to see the development of Husidic in 2010 and I hope Thorringtoncontinues to grow as a player too.

One thing I kind of see happening at some point is a trade involving Justin Mapp. For some reason I get the feeling his time in Chicago is almost up. Just a hunch at this point from me but all I am saying is don’t be shocked if at some point this season we see him in a different uniform.

Forwards:

Who they have: Brian McBride, Patrick Nyarko, Calen Carr, and Stefan Dimitrov.

Notes: I’d say this is the one area Klopas has the most work to do. There are rumors that Collin John could be headed to Chicago. John was a former teammate of McBride at Fulham. I’m not entirely sure if that is the best move for the Fire at this point but they definitely need someone else along with McBride and Nyarko. Someone younger than John would probably be the best fit in my eyes. (ignore that comment on finding someone younger, I thought I read that John was 34, but he is only 24. Wow, it is Friday)

—————————————————————

Overall:

The Fire aren’t looking too bad overall considering the talent they lost this winter and the coaching change. I still have my doubts defensively with this group and I question right now whether or not they have enough offense to remain a top dog in the east. Also with SuperLiga on their schedules again this year I wonder a bit about their depth. On the surface it seems decent enough but a couple more quality moves like Krol and Martinez before the season will put my worries to rest with this group.

Klopas and de los Cobos have done a good job so far this month. Their draft a couple weeks ago was one of the best in the league. Usually a coaching change in the winter will see its ups and downs but seeing how de los Cobos is letting Klopas take control of picking out a good majority of the talent I think this team will be just fine in 2010.

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.

——————————————————–

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.

—————————————————

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.

Danny Mwanga could be a top five pick.

As of today we have four quality players in the 2010 Generation adidas class but soon enough we could have a few more. Both SBI and Buzz Carrick are reporting that multiple big names could be joining the already impressive class for next month’s draft.

SBI mentions that Wake Forest duo Ike Opara and Corben Bone are close to reaching agreements with MLS on Generation adidas deals, as is Virginia midfielder Tony Tchani. Carrick throws out the bigger mention though with what could be the top overall pick in Oregon State striker Danny Mwanga.

But that isn’t all folks. According to Ives two others have signed with the league with another close to joining them. Central Florida goalkeeper Sean Johnson, Cal striker Andrew Wiedeman and UCLA freshman phenom Amobi Okugo are expected to join the 2010 GA class shortly. The league is waiting on finalizing the deals with these three before they make any sort of formal announcement, though I am told it could come as early as next Monday.

Before my last Mock Draft it was being reported that Mwanga was headed to Europe but as of late Monday evening Mwanga is signing with the league according to Carrick. No doubt that change will have to be reflected in my next Mock Draft. Some have him rated high enough to go number one while others see him as at least a top five pick. With the news from Ives that he is getting the highest GA contract in the league history you gotta figure he will at least be somewhere in the top three.

If the league is able to get all the deals worked out here it could put this draft class at 11 players, making it a fairly large GA class. Last few years we’ve seen anywhere between eight and ten players to a GA class. There still could be one or two more additions to this class before it is all said and done too.

I wasn’t planning on updating the Mock Draft until at least next week but if some news breaks about this class like I think it may before the end of the week we could see another update. Stay tuned!

Tough decisions all around Philadelphia right now for Peter Nowak and company. If the expansion draft wasn’t enough the club now has the fun of figuring out who exactly to take with their first overall pick in next month’s SuperDraft. Yesterday afternoon the college soccer season came to a close and right away a few names jumped out for who they should take.

Obviously nothing is set in stone with some of these guys and the debate can go around and around some circles but a few guys below might declare for the draft in the coming weeks as either they sign with the league as a Generation adidas player or just sign with the league like most rookies will eventually do around the draf time.

Below are a few guys I see fit as solid choices for the number one pick. Feel free to leave your thoughts below with who you think should be the top pick.

- Ike Opera (Wake Forest): Lots of folks have him as the top choice and as we’ve seen in years past the leading guy going into the draft to be the top pick isn’t always the case (2008 most expect Patrick Nyarko to be number one, he wasn’t). While Union does have a solid set of defenders already grabbing Opera wouldn’t be a dumb pick at all, it would set their defense up for a few years to come as Opera is an instant starter in my mind on day one.

- Tony Tchani (Virginia): One thing this club lacks right now is a playmaker in the midfield and Tchani could be that guy that helps them out in that department. He reminds me a lot of a Shalrie Joseph type workhorse, with the size and skill. But he may even had some of the offensive skill that we see in a playmaker like what Christian Gomez has been in the past.

- Dilly Duka (U-20s): Already signed with the league but the question will become does Philly grab him as trade bait for New York? Could be a move they make but I still have a feeling he ends up in New York no matter what (similar to Freddy Adu).

- Teal Bunbury (Akron): His skills are raw but this kid showed me a lot over the last few months. No doubt he will be a Generation adidas player if he comes out and signs with the league. One thing the Union do need is good attacking options and Bunbury up top with Alejandro Moreno could be a very fun combination to watch.

- Austin de Luz (Wake Forest): Up until this past weekend I hadn’t seen Wake Forest play in a few weeks and I must say I forgot exactly how good this kid was over that time. de Luz may be one of the most MLS ready players out there right now. He’s a lefty that some coaches would love to have right now and even better he makes those around him so much better. He’s a playmaker that could really develop into something special on the next level. Thing is most don’t have him as a top overall pick right now but he’s definitely going in the top ten.

- Luis Gil (U-17s): The big IF is Gil. IF he signs with the league he very well could be a top pick in the draft. He’s young and loaded with potential but the thing is he wouldn’t be in the league for long as he is the type that will be looking to make a jump overseas. Is it worth taking someone that may need some development that won’t be on the roster in a couple years? Toronto did it with Maurice Edu and you can be the judge if that’s paid off for them.

- Corben Bone (Wake Forest): Another dangerous offensive player that would be a great fit in Philadelphia. Some have him rated very high for this draft and I’m one of them as well. No doubt he’ll be a top five pick, just wonder can he sneak up the board to the top spot? When Philly needed some offense it may very well happen.

There really is no big separation between these four schools. One is unbeaten and the rest are dominate ACC figures that we’re use to seeing make it this far into the tournament. Virginia, North Carolina and Wake Forest have been solid all season long. Akron on the other hand has been nearly perfect this year. I say nearly because they still have two potential games standing between them and perfection on the season.

Below are my previews for tonight’s game and a prediction of who I think will win it all.

Virginia v. Wake Forest (4:30 CST – ESPN2):

Players of Note:
VIRGINIA- Tony Tchani, Will Bates, Jonathan Villanueva, and Brian Ownby.
WAKE FOREST- Ike Opara, Corben Bone, Austin Da Luz, and Zach Schilawski.

This game is loaded with pure talent on both sides. Virginia found ways to beat Wake twice this season, which isn’t easy to do in any year. But believe me, beating a team three times in a season is no easy task when both sides are so evenly matched. These teams played to a scoreless draw in the ACC Tournament semifinals before UVA won on penalty kicks.

Wake will need to rely on their offense to win this one. Virginia has too good of a defense here that just takes over games. The Demon Deacons will need a big time performance out of Austin Da Luz here. If he can help generate the offense like he has done all year and find a way to break down this daunting defense then Wake could move on.

Virginia will need find a way to get Will Bates involved early on in this one. He’s big and physical around net, look for Ike Opera to be on him all day. If he isn’t able to find a way to break down Wake’s defense then look for Toni Tchani to have to pick up the slack. If Tchani is able to do some damage then I would like Virginia’s chances.

I think this one could easily go either way. UVA has the mental advantage in beating Wake twice this year but something about Wake in this game I like a little more. Revenge is a dish best served cold and look for Wake to move on with a close  win in overtime.

WVH Prediction: Wake Forest 1 – 0 Virginia

—————————————————————–

Akron v. North Carolina (6:30 CST ESPNU)

Players of Note:
AKRON- Teal Bunbury, Darlington Nagbe, Blair Gavin, Anthony Ampaipitakwong, and Kofi Sarkodie.
UNC- Zach Lloyd, Dustin McCarty, Michael Farfan, Billy Schuler, and Kirk Urso.

The Zips are quite a story here, going undefeated up until this point. Just two more games and the perfect season is their’s. Akron is all about speed and if UNC can slow down that speed with Dustin McCarty and Kirk Urso then they will go a long way in staying in this game. The thing is that won’t be easy to do as Akron has not one but two star forwards that are extremely tough to contain with Team Bunbury and Darlington Nagbe.

If anyone is an underdog in this Final Four it is the Tar Heels. UNC will need to rely a lot on Michael Farfan to generate some offense and to find guys like Zach Lloyd and Billy Schuler in space.

The difference in this one is pure talent though and I love the overall talent that Akron has. With difference makers like  Anthony Ampaipitakwong and Blair Gavin in the midfield I just have trouble seeing UNC pull the upset in this one. The Zips move on and get Wake in the final.

WVH Prediction: Akron 2, UNC 1

———————————————————

So that leaves Akron and Wake in the final based on these predictions. Just to be quick I’ll take Akron with the win in the final as well. I just love the overall amount of talent on that roster. Wake and Virginia would both present problems for Akron but with head coach Caleb Porter likely on his way to MLS with DC I just think this will be the one shot this bunch has at a national title. Not a bad send off if you ask me.

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.