With the 2016 MLS SuperDraft quickly approaching and the NCAA season now over, there is a sea of speculation surrounding the biggest college names across the country. While not all of these players are guaranteed to sign with a team in 2016, there is a lot of young talent for MLS clubs and Generation Adidas to consider. Let’s take a look at the top 10 prospects for the Draft.
1. Joshua Yaro – D – Junior – Georgetown
After a Generation Adidas offer in early 2015, Yaro is expected to be tempted again by GA as a junior. He’s another year older and his defensive tactics are that much more mature. The dynamic Georgetown defender isn’t afraid of using his speed on the wings as a full-back or his strength in the middle as a center-back making him a diverse candidate for any of the MLS teams who are looking to strengthen their back line for the 2016 season.
2. Fabian Herbers – M/F – Junior – Creighton
15 goals and 17 assists in 23 games is all you need to hear before considering Creighton Midfielder/Forward to be a top prospect for the 2016 SuperDraft. The young German moved from his homeland to the US to play college soccer. He is known for is mature vision of the game and his initiative to act a few steps ahead of every move. Any team that is looking to bolster their attacking force can’t go wrong if they’re looking to pick up Herbers.
3. Abu Danladi – F – Sophomore – UCLA
UCLA’s Abu Danladi came to America from Ghana as a part of the Right to Dream program which takes kids from less fortunate countries and brings them to America for an education. As a defender in the Right to Dream program, Danladi was impressive at the back, but as soon as he was given the opportunity up front he was able to showcase his natural talents. Not only is he talented with the ball but he is a strong personality on the field. MLS clubs that are looking for a player that isn’t afraid to take charge will do well picking up Danladi in the Draft.
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4. Michael Gamble – F – Senior – Wake Forest
As the first senior on the list, Michael Gamble should be a name that will stick near the top of this list. Gamble is known for his intelligence on the ball. At 5’7” he may be small but he is very quick to get into those dangerous spaces behind the opposition’s defense which makes him perfect for long balls over the top.
5. Patrick Hodan – M – Senior – Notre Dame
With a multitude of awards and honors under his belt, Notre Dame senior Patrick Hodan is no stranger to success. With 20 goals in his past two seasons, Hodan is a midfielder that’s not afraid to get forward. It’s uncommon to come across such a young player that possesses both a technical passing ability and the pace of a winger.
6. Brandon Vincent – D – Senior – Stanford
As a former center-back turned left-back, Brandon Vincent has become accustomed to the high energy that is needed from a full-back. He was Stanford’s leading scorer in 2014 and continued that momentum in his 2015 season — Stanford took home the NCAA championship over the weekend. It has been noted that Vincent has options in Europe, but given his success in America a lot of MLS clubs will be looking to keep him in the U.S.
7. Jonathan Campbell – D – Senior – North Carolina
As a regular starter since 2012, Jonathan Campbell is a solid center-back and has been a vital component in North Carolina’s defense. The North Carolina native will have many options as he plans to enter the next stage of his career as a professional.
8. Richie Laryea – M – Sophomore – Akron
11 goals and seven assists place Laryea in the exclusive category of a diverse midfielder. A lot of midfielders get stuck in either an attacking role or a defensive role, Laryea comfortably slides into both of these roles in any given match. Diversity is a valuable attribute to have and will take the young sophomore a long way in his progression in the sport.
9. Timo Pitter – M – Senior – Creighton
As the second Creighton player to make the list, Timo Pitter doesn’t fall short when it comes to his midfield responsibility. As Fabian Herber’s close partner and compatriot, the senior understands all roles required in the middle of the field and is a strong holding player allowing for other players to bomb forward.
10. Napo Matsoso – M – Junior – Kentucky
The Kentucky native is well on his way to a professional career. A Generation Adidas candidate, the Midfielder has made an assist in 50 percent of his games. Two time Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week, Matsoso makes the list because he is expected to be a big name over the next couple of years.
