I’ve also included a bit of commentary from Chris about each pick as well.

1. Portland Timbers – Dax McCarty (FC Dallas):

Me: I really feel that since Portland is saying they’ll take the best available player first, and by that they mean best available player within their budget (aka no DPs). That’s where I come up with McCarty here who was a rock for FCD this year but has always had some issues with head coach Schellas Hyndman. I’d be a bit shocked if he doesn’t come off the board tomorrow.

2. Vancouver Whitecaps – Blaise Nkufo (Seattle):

Chris’s explanation: This isn’t to get at Seattle but based on the fact that Nkufo’s wife lives in Vancouver this pick seems like a good one to make even as bizarre as it sounds.

3. Portland Timbers – Collen Warner (Real Salt Lake):

Me: When I saw his name on the un-protection list last night I immediately had him pegged as a future Timber. He’s from the area, played in the Timber’s youth system and went to the University of Portland. Plus he’s a very quality player that can make an impact right away I believe.

4. Vancouver Whitecaps – O’Brien White (Toronto):

Chris: He’s Canadian, fast and although a little too expensive there is no way they could pass him up. Although Sanyang might be the better player from Toronto.

5. Portland Timbers – Patrick Ianni (Seattle):

Me: He’s one of John Spencer’s old mates in Houston. Just seems logical given the fact that he had such a quality 2010 season with the Sounders. Plus the Timbers have to pick a Sounder right?

6. Vancouver Whitecaps – Andy Williams (RSL):

Chris: Veteran pick, could easily piss some folks in Salt Lake off but even with his wife’s condition its the right pick.

7. Portland Timbers – Anthony Wallace (Colorado):

Me: I’ve seen Wally plenty over the years to know that he’s a quality enough player in the right system. I think with Spencer it could be the perfect fit for him. He’s done well enough since leaving Dallas and joining the Rapids but he’s good enough to get picked up here.

8. Vancouver Whitecaps – Dasan Robinson (Chicago):

Chris: Very cheap and versatile.

9. Portland Timbers – Jason Garey (Columbus):

Me: I’ve always felt that Garey needed a change of venue for the last couple years. This is the perfect time for that to happen.

10. Vancouver Whitecaps – Pat Onstad (Houston):

Chris: Because I have to.

11. Portland Timbers – Andrew Jacobson (Philadelphia):

Me: Getting some speed in the midfield would be good for Spencer, I’ve always thought Jacobson could be developed into a very good player when given the proper time.

12. Vancouver Whitecaps – Adam Moffat (Columbus):

Chris: Huge upside, and cheap, he was a stud in 2008.

13. Portland Timbers – Pat Phalen (New England):

Me: Put him alongside Dax McCarty in the midfield and that’s a solid one-two punch before the backline.

14. Vancouver Whitecaps – Ibrahim Diop (Kansas City):

Chris: He scored a few goals late in the year and is dirt cheap.

15. Portland Timbers – Bobby Burling (San Jose):

Me: Had a quality year in San Jose this past season, could be a good veteran leader in the back for the team too.

16. Vancouver Whitecaps – Arturo Alvarez (San Jose):

Chris: Put him alongside Blake Wagner (if they sign him) and you could have a big impact from the wings.

17. Portland Timbers – Jimmy Conrad (Kansas City):

Me: If it happens I bet it will be earlier in the draft but think of JC with the Timbers Army. He may cost them a little extra but boy he’d be worth it for a couple years I think.

18. Vancouver Whitecaps – Andrew Boyens (New York):

Chris: Has some World Cup experience and could breakout in a new setting.

19. Portland Timbers – Corey Ashe (Houston):

Me: Still waiting for him to breakout a little bit, could do so under Spencer who is very familiar with him.

20. Edson Edwards (Dallas):

Chris: Possibly this year’s David Myrie but could also be a stud in the making.

To recap: RSL, Columbus, Seattle, Dallas, Kansas City, San Jose, and Houston all had two players taken. Toronto, Colorado, Chicago, Philadelphia, New England and New York all had just one. Team without any players taken were LA, D.C., and Chivas USA.

Also keep in mind we didn’t remove any player from a team’s unprotected list when they lost a player. Honestly we didn’t have the time to do it. Secondly if you look as previous expansion drafts they are always a bit of a head scratcher so we both figure tomorrow will be pretty much the same. The obvious pick doesn’t always get made in these drafts either.

Vancouver is a bit of a mystery at this point considering how few players they’ve signed in comparison to Portland. I still believe they’ll go a bit more midfield and attacking minded in their draft tomorrow but more than likely both clubs will go fairly balance in an effort to snatch a hand-full of starters for next year.

Time for the forth installment of the WVH Mock Draft. As the MLS Combine is set to kickoff this today in Florida I am extending my Mock Draft to the second round.

Recently I was asked to do a second round selection for an aggregated mock draft over at American Soccer News for the new Philadelphia Union part of the ASN site. You can see more about that here. Just as it was mentioned on Philly ASN my picks weren’t definite at the time but some were pretty darn close.

Other than adding another round to this adventure there won’t be too many changes in the top 10 or so from the last mock draft. Below is the forth 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

Word has it now that Peter Nowak and Philadelphia front office pushed hard for the league to sign Mwanga. Apparently Nowak promised Mwanga the top pick if he signed with the league. I can’t see them backing out of that now.

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

I’m still sticking with this pick. I know Ike Opara is the smarter pick but the love fest between the two sides here just makes me believe they’ll take Duka here instead of trying to trade up from number 14 to get him in the first round. Some are with me on this stance while others don’t see Duka go to New York at all. If I end up being wrong on this so be it, but I’d like to this my hunch will pan out on this one.

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

San Jose’s defense was terrible in 2009, enter Opara who should be a candidate for Rookie of the Year in 2010. San Jose will be lucky to get him here if New York doesn’t take him at number 2.

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

KC could still go a number of different ways with this pick but Bunbury continues to remain the most likely in my mind. KC needs a good target forward with speed and Bunbury would instantly upgrade their attack. Plus being able to learn from a veteran like Josh Wolff wouldn’t hurt his progression as a player either.

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

No change in my two Dallas picks this week. I could see Dallas go for Wake Forest’s Corbon Bone with this pick if for some reason Tchani is already off the board.

6. FC Dallas – Andre Akpan, F, Harvard

Jeff Cunningham isn’t getting any older and Schellas Hyndman has to know it. Some around Dallas don’t see FCD taking another striker a year after taking Peri Marosevic though. This pick has a chance to change one more time before the draft. I’m waiting to see what kind of Combine Akpan has before my final mock draft.

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

Still have a tough time thinking Bone falls this far but anything is possible (remember Patrick Nyarko’s fall from top pick to number seven two years ago?). DC could still go a couple different ways but it would be tough to not take the best player available here if Bone is still on the board at number seven.

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

Losing Aljeandro Moreno really makes this a necessary pick at number eight. If Akpan is still on the board they will take him over Wiedeman in my eyes. Still Wiedeman is the best striker left at this point and the Crew really showed they need some offensive help last year.

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

This is a Steve Nicol pick all the way. They could go with UNC’s Zach Loyd here too but I’d be hard pressed to not see them beef up their midfield with a guy like Stahl. They do need offensive help though but with all the quality strikers off the board it makes more sense to take Stahl here rather than gamble on a young striker that may not produce.

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

This is honestly a steal for Chivas USA in my mind. Okugo is going to be one heck of a player in this league in the years to come.

11. Seattle Sounders FC – Zach Loyd, M/D, UNC

Over the past week I’ve been looking harder at some picks after number 10 and more at Zach Loyd. I’ll admit I totally overlooked Loyd in my previous mock drafts but no longer after reviewing some film I saw of him. Now I think he falls to Seattle at 11. The Sounders need some depth in their midfield and in defense. Loyd is a guy that can play pretty much anywhere and I know Sigi Schmid likes that kind of player on his roster.

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

No change in this pick for me from the last couple weeks. I think it would be hard not to have a smile on your face in Columbus after getting Wiedeman and Gavin here. Both address needs that they have. I could also see them go with a defensive pick here with this selection.

13. Chicago Fire – Ofori Sarkodie, D, Indiana

The Fire stand to lose too much in the back this winter so they have to grab the best defender available to them at this point in the draft.

14. New York Red Bulls (from Houston) – Zach Schilawski, F, Wake Forest

One of my changes this time around is what the Red Bulls do with this pick. I could see them still go with UConn’s Watson-Siriboe but I see them taking him in the second round now instead. NY needs some help offensively and Schilawski is a very underrated striker in my mind.

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

Still sticking with my hunch on this pick. I’ve seen McInerney go from either number 11 or to the last pick of the first round with RSL, which is about right for him.

16. Real Salt Lake – Austin de Luz, M, Wake Forest

de Luz falls this week for me to the last pick of the first round. I could still see them take his Wake Forest teammate Zach Schilawski here but RSL continues to be a club that baffles me in terms of where they will go with this pick. One day it seems like its a guy who fits a need right away and the next its a long-term project. I have trouble seeing them reach on a guy like Zachary Herold here though (the next non-keeper GA player available).

——————————————————–

Second Round

17. Philadelphia Union – Kyle Nakazawa, M, UCLA

Philly assistant John Hackworth is very familiar with Nakazawa from his days coaching the 2005 U.S. Under-17 World Cup team. He had a great run with that team and that kind of familiarity makes sense for this pick.

18. New York Red Bulls – Kwame Watson-Siriboe, D, UConn

If the Red Bulls don’t take him at 14 I can’t see a reason why they don’t grab here at 18. He’ll beef up their defense and quite honestly he’ll be a steal at this point in the draft. The better the Combine he has the more likely he’ll go in the first round though.

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

He missed out on a Generation adidas contract last year but look for him to fall somewhere in the early second round this year due to the amount of talent in the Generation adidas class this year. I don’t think San Jose would be hurting if they landed him here.

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

I love this pick for KC. They need to find Kevin Hartman’s replacement in this draft and grabbing Johnson at this point will be a great deal for them due to his GA contract. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him get plenty of playing time in 2010 too.

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

I was picking defensively with this selection until Wednesday’s news that Dallas signed a defender from Ghana. That pretty much put the end on them picking a defender in the second round for me. Enter da Silva who has some Hyndman ties from SMU. Is this the best pick Dallas can make here? No, but we know Hyndman loves picking up SMU players whenever he can.

22. Colorado Rapids (From FCD) – Chris Schuler, D, Creighton

Colorado needs some defensive help and with this first pick they will have to go that route. Nick Cardenas and Phil Edgington are other options here with this pick and some even think they take a gamble on Harold. I think they stay safe and pick Schuler though as he is the more polished defender of the four.

23. Colorado Rapids (From DC) – Collen Warner, M/F, Portland

Probably one of the more underrated players in this draft is Warner. Some say a strong Combine could possible elevate him to a late first round selection. I tend to think he’ll still fall somewhere around the early-to-middle part of the second round. Huge value pick though for the Rapids here.

24. Toronto FC (From Colorado) – Nick Cardenas, D, San Diego State

A big centerback that could really improve a weak Toronto defense. I have trouble thinking Mo Johnston doesn’t find a way to at least get into the ladder part of the first round next week but if he doesn’t look for them to take a defender here.

25. New England Revolution – Jovan Bubonja, GK, Illinois-Chicago

Here’s a guy that could have been the second keeper taken last year now he becomes the second one taken this year. New England lands a replacement for the departed Brad Knighton and possibly a potential replacement for Matt Reis.

26. Chivas USA – Nelson Becerra, M, St. John’s

This is a guy that I’m hoping has a strong Combine because I know he has the potential to be a real quality player in MLS. I’ve seen him a few times over the last few years and I know he is loaded with talent.

27. Seattle Sounders FC – Michael Thomas, M, Notre Dame

Attacking options are going to be tough to find this late in the second round but the Sounders could do well with Thomas who is a very good attacking midfielder. Look for him to sneak up the boards with a good Combine too.

28. San Jose Earthquakes (From Dallas, RSL) – Ryan Petterman, D, San Diego

Here is a dangerous outside back that could really move up the draft boards with a good Combine. The Quakes may try to find some attacking talent here but they may have to settle for some attacking help from a defender and not a striker.

29. Chicago Fire – RossLaBauex, M, Virginia

They could go offensive here but I think they stick defensive and go with the best defensive midfielder left on the board in LaBauex. He has the work rate to improve his draft stock at the Combine but for now he’s likely a late second rounder in my mind.

30. San Jose Earthquakes (From Houston) – Brain Perk, GK, UCLA

Some still have him going late in the first round but I think he falls somewhere in the ladder part of the second round for now. Don’t get me wrong Perk is good and will do well if he falls here. I think he’s a replacement for Joe Cannon, who I still think will get traded before the season starts.

31. New York Red Bulls (From LA) – Ronnie Bouemboue , F, NC State

A quality player who his highly underrated. New York has a slew of picks and it wouldn’t shock me to see them trade this one or the other second round pick for some allocation money or something else. If not Bouemboue seems like a quality pick for them here.

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

He’ll need a good Combine to make it this high I think. He’s easily this year’s Danny Cruz of the GA players. A long-term project that I think RSL takes a stab on here.

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.

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.

————————————————-

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.

—————————————————————–

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!

A lot of this could change with trades that will happen tomorrow but until then I think this is good enough for now.

1. Seattle Sounders FC: Steve Zakuani (Akron)

He may not be too high on Sigi Schmid’s list right now but if no one makes a good enough deal with the Sounders I see them still taking Zakuani. He has the most upside of any striker on the board.

2. Toronto FC: Sam Cronin (Wake Forest)

Toronto still wants to deal this pick. But if they for some reason wait to deal after the selection I think they will take the next highest wanted player, Cronin. A few teams will be in line to trade for him I think.

3. Los Angeles Galaxy: Omar Gonzalez (Maryland)

Getting a defender is probably priority number one for the Galaxy. I think Gonzalez will drop here and the Galaxy will be hard pressed not to take him.

4. Toronto FC: Stefan Frei (California)

If they keep this pick and Frei is on the board I think Toronto will go for this selection. Sure they have other needs right now but with an aging Greg Sutton and Brad Edwards not being quite ready to be a starter yet, Frei has the most upside (and potential value) of anyone left for Mo Johnston to get.

5. FC Dallas: Rodney Wallace (Maryland)

I doubt Dallas will be picking here tomorrow but if they do Wallace should be the guy they end up with. They have issues on the left back position of their roster and Wallace would probably be the best bet to slide into that role before the end of the season.

6. DC United: Kevin Alston (Indiana)

Alston moves up to the six spot from the last mock draft. I see DC getting him either way in this draft. He didn’t make a big enough splash to move up to five or better but didn’t hurt himself to drop below this point. Plus he fits a need for DC in this draft.

7. DC United: Jeremy Hall (Maryland)

I’ve bounced around a bit with Hall but he seems like a quality fit for DC. He didn’t have a great draft but he still has enough upside for the future to go for here.

8. Kansas City Wizards: Peri Marosevic (Michigan)

Marosevic apparently had a great Combine. Kansas City needs attacking options right now and he would be a great fit for this club.

9. Chivas USA: Chris Pontius (UCSB)

If no deal happens for Chivas to move up and get Frei look for them to probably try and take an offensive selection. Pontius had a pretty good Combine and I think he will be moving up into this spot of the draft. I can’t see Chivas passing on him if he is here too.

10. New England Revolution: Michael Lahoud (Wake Forest)

Another guy to move into the first round here. Even though the Revs need a central defender I just don’t see them trading up to get one here. Lahoud will be the best value available here if he is still on the board.

11. New York Red Bulls: Babajide Ogunbiyi (Santa Clara)

A lot of hype from the Combine over Ogunbiyi. Apparently he did enough to move up and into the first round. New York needs defenders in a bad way so this pick seems likely.

12. Real Salt Lake: Daniel Cruz (UNLV)

Cruz will be more of a project pick for whomever takes him I believe. RSL doesn’t need a winger but they are good at keeping guys on a roster for a couple years to develop (see Chris Seitz). Cruz will sit and wait his time unless he shows up and blows away Jason Kries in pre-season camp.

13. Toronto FC: O’Brain White (UConn)

A pick that everyone is calling for. It will happen.

14. FC Dallas: Calum Angus (Saint Louis)

I still like Dallas taking Angus here in the first round (should they keep this pick). Defense has to be a top priority for the Hoops and I still think Angus has enough upside to be worth picking here.

15. New England Revolution: Matt Besler (Notre Dame)

Maybe not the best option to quickly fix the central part of the defense now that Michael Parkhurst is gone to Europe but Besler is a decent enough player that could (over time) turn into a quality starter in the back. They could also take Wake defender Lyle Adams here too.

Maryland's Omar Gonzalez is a hot prospect for a few clubs.

This may be the first of a couple mock drafts that lead up to next week’s MLS SuperDraft. Of course I will only be working with the first round for this mock draft as the second through forth round order hasn’t been officially announced yet.

A lot could easily change too as some players mentioned are on the fences about going to the draft this year or waiting until next year.

Also there are expected to be a slew of trades between now and next week. While no one is expected as of right now to move up and pull a Kansas City to trade into the top spot this year, I do see plenty of teams looking to package deals to move up to the second overall pick.

Reports right now suggest that New England, Dallas, LA, and DC all have interest in trading up to that second overall pick. From what I am hearing we could see a deal done as soon as the end of this week. Also, with the amount of picks that some clubs have expect them to send them off as some others will be looking extra picks.

Lastly, we will know a lot more after the MLS Combine too which begins at the end of this week. Usually the Combine is a great trading ground for clubs. You can expect to see a few deals worked out at this year Combine for sure.

We are still waiting on a few guys to declare or not to declare for the draft right now too. Guys like UNC’s Sheldon Williams have been quiet about their potential professional outlook. Some guys like Wake Forest’s Ike Opera are staying in school for now, a move that could really benefit them next year.

Anyways, on to the Mock Draft number one.

1. Seattle Sounders FC: Steve Zakuani (Akron)

Right now all the talk up in the Pac-NW is that Zakuani will be the top pick unless some crazy trade happens and Seattle gives up the top pick. Many believe that Sigi Schmid is impressed enough with Zakuani to make him the top overall pick. The club needs some attacking options and Zakuani could contribute from day one.

2. Toronto FC: Omar Gonzalez (Maryland)

Look for this pick to be traded but if not I cannot see Toronto not picking a solid defender like Gonzalez. Even if they think they are good enough for this year in the back they need depth and Gonzalez is the guy for that in my opinion. Still a lot of clubs want him and I doubt TFC will hold on to this pick. Even if they do take him they will deal him.

3. Los Angeles Galaxy: Rodney Wallace (Maryland)

LA as we all know needs defense and I see Wallace falling here unless some how Toronto passes on Gonazlez. LA wants either one they can get and really they will be fine with whoever they take at number three. I don’t see Bruce Arena wasting this pick on going for the best player (ie. a Marcus Tracey) that is available but going for what his club needs most.

4. Toronto FC: Marcus Tracey (Wake Forest)

TFC could surprise a few and take Tracey at number two instead of here. If they do that I figure they will trade this pick away to someone else. Then again you just never know with Mo Johnston at the helm. With Tracey not being apart of the GA class look for him to slide a little even though he is the top talent of the draft. Remember clubs near the top need defense and not offense.

5. FC Dallas: Jeremy Hall (Maryland)

As a Hoops fan this is the guy I would like to see them get if they can. Hall is a beast in the midfield and a difference maker on the wings. Something the Hoops really lacked in 2008. I still think they will push hard for that number two pick to get Gonzalez though but if they fail to make that deal happen they will end up with a good consolation prize in Hall.

6. DC United: Stefan Frei (California)

The first keeper off the boards, and the best of the bunch really with a GA contract. This should be a pick DC will go with here or at number 7. They need stability in the back for years to come and let’s face it even if Louis Crayton is good enough to hold the fort in 2009 I just don’t see it lasting for another year. Frei will gain some solid experience and step right when ready.

7. DC United: Kevin Alston (Indiana)

You could swap the order between this pick and the 6th pick but either way I think Frei and Alston are going to DC. The club needs defensive help and I just don’t see them trading up to get Gonzalez at this point. Alston is probably good enough right now to start for this club in the back. If they don’t go for Alston I could see them take a defensive midfielder like Brad Ring instead.

8. Kansas City Wizards: Baggio Husidic (UIC)

One thing KC lacked in the midfield in 2008 was creativity. Husidic will definitely bring that to their club if he is selected here. The Wizards could also select UCLA playmaker Michael Stephens but there hasn’t been any confirmation that he is coming out yet. If he does look for KC to go that route if not Husidic will be tough for this to passover.

9. Chivas USA: Sam Cronin (Wake Forest)

Chivas needs some help in the middle with the possible transfer of Sasha Kljestan in the near future on the way. Should Husidic be here I would imagine they will take him but if not I think they will move to Cronin. While he isn’t a playmaker like Kljestan he would be able to add some stability to their defensive portion of the midfield.

10. New England Revolution: Yohance Marshall (South Florida)

The Revs have two late first rounders that they are looking to deal to trade up. Apparently they really want Gonzalez. If they can’t do it I see Marshall falling in their lap. I’ve seen Marshall play over the years and I believe he is good enough to start today in MLS. He may not be a starter right away but look for him to get plenty of chances as the year goes on.

11. FC Dallas: Calum Angus (Saint Louis)

Dallas still needs work on their defense. Some suggest Dallas will go for the next best player which could be a striker but with Kenny Cooper coming back I just don’t see them taking a chance on a striker this year in the first round. Angus will slide into the backline just fine. I could also see them taking Wake Forest defender Lyle Adams here too. It just depends on who has the better Combine this week.

12. Real Salt Lake: Mike Grella (Duke)

Jason Kreis is a Duke guy and I think he will take one of his own. While RSL needs a solid defensive midfielder or just a midfielder in general I think they will be hard pressed not to take a striker here. Grella will be that guy I believe.

13. Toronto FC: O’Brain White (UConn)

Mo likes to gamble and he will with this one. Given White’s health right now, reports suggest he won’t be ready until at least April. Being a Canadian it would be hard for Toronto to pass on White here.

14. New York Red Bulls: Lyle Adams (Wake Forest)

A lot depends on some Combine workouts but I think Adams would be a good fit for the Red Bulls. They need defensive help in a bad way and Adams would be a good start for them in 2009.

15. New England Revolution: Chris Pontius (UCSB)

The Revs will go for some attacking help if they don’t make some trades to move up. I think Pontius would be a monster pick for them in the coming years as he could very well be one of the most underrated picks of this draft.

The next Mock Draft won’t come until at least the end of the week if not this weekend. I want to wait until a day or so into the Combine to sort out any trade details.