We speculated going into this season that the rookie class would possibly be as good as last year’s version. Three weeks into the season and I think it is safe to say these rookies so far are doing very well for themselves.

So far some of the rookies are producing very well and are getting quality minutes on the field. Some are going through some growing pains but more than likely we’ll see them show up before long here this season.

A couple rookies are already doing very well like we mentioned, New England’s Zach Schilawski light up Toronto FC with a hat trick last Saturday, while the 3rd overall pick Ike Opara netted a game winner on the road for San Jose in Chicago.

Doing Well and Producing

Zack Schilawski (New England) – As mentioned the Rev’s rookie strike light up Toronto with three goals. The second goal was as classy as anything I’ve seen out of a rookie in some time. Revs manager Steve Nicol has needed a goal scorer for a couple seasons now and it looks like Schilawski may be just the guy he was looking for.

Tim Ream (New York) – Ream has been a lot of folks favorite rookie thus far this year. He’s played in all three games so far for the Red Bulls and has brought a lot of stability to the defense that looked so shaky a season ago.

Ike Opara (San Jose) – This guy is something else, I’ll just say that. His goal against the Fire proved to be the difference but his presence on the field is starting to make the Quakes look a lot better defensively – just like we knew it would.

Blair Gaven (Chivas USA) – Not many folks are talking about Gaven but I noticed him more in the 2-0 win over New York than I had in previous games. He was steady and very good in the midfield for Chivas. Definitely a rookie to keep an eye on here.

Needs More Time But Will Be Solid

Teal Bunbury (Kansas City) – Having trouble breaking the starting lineup so far in KC but when the team is winning it doesn’t hurt too much. He’ll get his time under Peter Vermes too. With some US Open Cup games coming up he’ll get more PT to show his stuff.

Zach Loyd (FC Dallas) – Looked very steady in his first start for Dallas against Columbus. He held his own very nicely against one of the league’s best teams.

Toni Tchani (New York) – Haven’t seen a whole lot out of him just yet but once he works his way into the starting lineup we’ll see exactly why New York took him at number two.

Danny Mwanga (Philadelphia) – I think the experiment at center-mid is over for Mwanga and Peter Nowak. Let’s see how he does at his natural position, striker.

Some That No One Is Talking About

Seth Sinovic (New England) – Another gem for Steve Nicol. He’s played loads of minutes this season already and has really done wonders for the Revs in the back.

Michael Stephens (LA Galaxy) – Maybe a few have mentioned his name but off the bench this kid will eventually be a headache for other coaches.

Jack McInerney (Philadelphia) – We’ve seen bits and pieces out of Jack so far, but believe me this kid is something special. Its only going to be a matter of time before the rest of the league finds out.

Steven Beitashour (San Jose) – Playing a lot of solid minutes, very quietly under the radar out there by the Bay.

Still Waiting

Amobi Okugo (Philadelphia) – Hasn’t seen much or if any of the field yet. Thankfully for him its only been two games. I got a feeling he’ll break into the lineup soon enough.

Dilly Duka (Columbus) – Same as Okugo, not much to see here yet.

The 2010 Crew look a lot like the 2009 Crew, does that mean another Supporter's Shield is on the way? (Getty Images)

I had hoped to get this post out of the way earlier in the day but some issues on the back end of my site kept me busy all day (some PHP bug!). But I felt like it was still alright to move on with out look at each Major League Soccer club and how they are doing this offseason.

Today we go back east and look at the two time defending Supporter’s Shield champion Columbus Crew.

The offseason hasn’t been too busy for the Crew but they were able to make some big noise at the SuperDraft with a couple of their selections.

Keepers:

Who they have: William Hesmer, Andy Gruenebaum, and Kenny Schoeni

Notes: This area is still fine for the Crew. I had heard whispers that Gruenebaum was not on the roster for the training camp but I haven’t seen anything out there about it yet (Crew fans can help me out on that one). If he is in camp then he is a fine backup to Hesmer, if not then they may be in trouble.

For the most part I’d say if they are looking to add anything here it will be with one of the league’s pool keepers that travel around. Hesmer is one of the more underrated keepers in the league in my opinion. The Crew should be fine here as long as Hesmer stays healthy this season.

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Defense:

Who they have: Frankie Hejduk, Gino Padula, Andy Iro, Chad Marshall, Eric Brunner, Jed Zayner, Shaun Francis, and Kwaku Nyamekye.

Notes: When healthy this group is as good as it gets. But like we saw late in the year when they aren’t 100% things get a little dicy. Hejduk has shown his age and sometimes Padula isn’t all there. Let’s not forget that Marshall will probably be missed some point this summer if he ends up going to South Africa. I do however like the youth with this group in Iro, Zayner and Brunner.

Too bad they probably won’t get anything out of Nyamekye, one of their forth round picks. Apparently he is headed to play in Europe.

I think if Robert Warzycha can get a couple more quality center backs and maybe one more wing back in here this group will be set for the long run. With the amount of extra games again this year on the menu you gotta think depth will come into question with the Crew yet again.

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Midfield:

Who they have: Alex Grendi, Danny O’Rourke, Dilly Duka, Duncan Oughton, Eddie Gavin, Kevin Burns, Brian Carroll, Emmanuel Ekpo, Robbie Rogers, Adam Moffat, and Cory Elenio.

Notes:  Just like the defensive group if they are healthy they are one of the best in the league but if they aren’t it gets interesting. They have a good solid core of players here and I’m very curious to see Duka plays into their system here as well.

I would like to see them go after another attacking midfielder though for depth. Should Schelotto go down they will need some sort of back up in place. Adding more depth in the defensive side of the midfield wouldn’t be a bad thing as well.

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Forwards:

Who they have: Guillermo Barros Schelotto, Jason Garey, Bright Dike, Emilio Rentería, and Steven Lenhart

Notes: Schelotto makes this a very solid group but I kind of still see him as an attacking midfielder more than a forward at this point. Some folks list him as a forward others list him as a midfielder.

I like Renteria and Lenhart – and Garey isn’t too bad either. Biggest question will be around Dike and whether or not the Crew really did gamble on picking him so early. Most like me agree they could have gotten him in the forth round with one of their three picks then.

I’d still like to see them go after another striker before the season starts if they can, or definitely one during the summer transfer window. Right now they’ll have to rely too much on Schelotto to score for them and I can see that doing well early on but leading to some trouble late if no one else steps up.

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Overall:

One still has to figure the Crew will be in the discussion for the Supporter’s Shield yet again this season. They’ve barely lost anything from a year ago and I have to think that playoff loss to RSL really stung this group. I think as long as Rogers and Ekpo step up in the midfield, Schelotto and Renteria do their part up top and the defense stays healthy they’ll be another tough team to beat in 2010.

Still saying that they do have some work left to do to get the depth issues taken care of.

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.

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!

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.

A couple more draft notes to pass along this evening. We’ve caught wind thanks to the league’s MLS Insider’s blog that three players have signed Generation adidas contracts and two college seniors have signed with the league for next month’s SuperDraft as well.

Two of the three GA signings should be no surprise as they are Teal Bunbury of Akron and Dilly Duka of the U-20 National team fame.

The third is another Akron star, midfielder Blair Gavin. He recorded 5 goals and 3 assists this season. Gavin was a member of the U-18 National Team pool and attended high school at the IMG Academy.

We heard earlier in the week that UConn senior midfielder Toni Stahl had signed with the league and now it is more official. He and UNC defender/midfielder Zach Loyd have signed with the league. Both could be first round picks in the draft.

With this news and probably more news that will come out next week about the draft I would imagine I’ll have to update the mock draft with this information. Stay tuned!

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!

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.

The league has nine clubs now that Tampa and Baltimore have jumped ship and they could look to add a tenth with the possibility of Rochester leaving the USL after 2010.

Currently there are only 5 teams remaining from last year’s USL-1 season.  Austin, Cleveland, Portland, Puerto Rico and Rochester, with the expansion team of  New York bringing the league to 6. Some may say what about Charleston? Well, they are headed to the USL-2 in the form of a self-relegation. Some folks are saying Cleveland could easily do the same.

Let’s not forget that after this next season for the USL they will stand to lose Portland. That bring their lovely total down to just four for the 2011 season unless they get some expansion sites up in a hurry before then.

The USL does looked doomed here but will this NASL really work? Vancouver and Montreal are headed MLS’s way in the near future but this little league could be fine if the chips keep falling for the USL. But the thing that worries people like me is how in the world will they get all their crap together before the start of the season next year? At the very least they could have a website up now that they have a name but since http://www.nasl.com is already taken they could be in trouble on that front.

Things do look good for the TOA, or now rather the NASL, which is still a stupid name in my mind to go with.

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Wynada On His MLS Time

Link

He still regrets coming back to MLS when it started up. I respect Wynalda but its a douche bag kind of thing to say about a league that probably did him more good than anything else. I’d be willing to be we would have never see him in broadcasting had it not been for MLS.

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Missed PK and What It Means For Donovan

Link

An excellent point that I thought about last night when I saw Landon Donovan blast his PK try over the bar and into the 40th row. How will that missed PK affect his potential to go back to Europe this winter? Hell the bigger picture that I am concerned about here is how will it affect him going into next year’s World Cup. We need Donovan to be the dominate player he was in the summer and not the LandyCakes we’ve seen in the past and during that PK try.

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Duka Ready For MLS

Link

So young Dilly Duka didn’t get a contract in Europe like some had figured so he will stay with MLS and get selected in January’s SuperDraft. The kid sounds excited though about coming to MLS and I think he has a great shot to do something special here for a couple years before heading to Europe.

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More Somerville Talk For Revs

Link

The Revs have been “talking” about building a stadium in Somerville for a couple years now. Will they finally do it is the question. They definitely need to that is for sure. We know they need to get out of the NFL stadium that they are in right now because they cannot draw well in there at all.