The first two rounds of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft are wrapped. And for those players that didn’t hear their name called, the chance of getting drafted shifts to Monday’s Third and Fourth rounds.
While some teams may end up passing, there are still a couple of players out there worth taking a chance on, inviting to preseason camp and seeing what happens.
CM Skye Harter, Akron
Recovery from a calf injury hobbled Harter in his senior season, and without their senior connector in midfield, Akron struggled. Look no further than his influence on the program overall, however, and there’s a talented player that could be plugged into a team for central midfield depth.
Harter’s shown that he can play as a 6, 8 or 10, but the question of whether he’s good enough of an athlete and can make an impact from one of those spots may have held him back from the first two rounds. There’s little doubt that when healthy, he’s a quality soccer player and could be a third-round pick who earns an MLS deal.
CF Brian Saramago, Loyola (Md.)
A proven college goalscorer who spent time in the New York Red Bulls academy, Saramago is a versatile player who could be an option up top or on the wing. Like some of the other players on the board, it’s a fair debate to have over what his best future position would be at the next level. It may be that he’s not quite good enough to impact the game or play as a No. 9 in MLS or quick enough for the wing. Regardless of that, Saramago’s record over the past four years and beyond is worth giving him a look in the final two rounds.
CM Brandon Williamson, Duke
The D.C. United academy veteran was a four-year fixture at the Blue Devils, seeing significant minutes the past three seasons. A difficult season for the team as a whole could have played a factor in Williamson slipping down draft boards, while perhaps teams have concerns about his physicality. He’s shown in flashes that he has intriguing tools, whether as a box-to-box midfielder or potentially as an outside back.
CF Nebojsa Popovic, Michigan
With teams well-stocked at No. 9 and two of the top forwards on the board carrying Generation adidas contracts, it’s not a huge shock to see Popovic remain undrafted after the first two rounds. Teams could be put off by his potential lack of athleticism and speed to get in behind. However, he’s shown that he can play with his back to goal, and deserves an invite to see if he’s sharp enough in front of the net to warrant an MLS deal.
M/F Jorge Gonzalez, SIU-Edwardsville
Another player invited to the College Showcase who didn’t get picked up on Thursday, Gonzalez is a talented attacker that can beat players off the dribble and can score. Similar to Saramago, he has a bit of a ‘tweener about him: not quite good enough in his playmaker role and questions about his impact to play as an out-and-out forward.
Add in the fact that he’d require an international spot, and it explains why he remains on the board. A team looking to fill out a USL team could be inclined to bring him in and give him a look.
