I've read various mock drafts leading up to this year's MLS SuperDraft and one thing is very clear concerning RSL...nobody really has any idea what direction we will take this year. Interestingly enough that is no different from any other year for the 'claret and cobalt' (I still feel a little dirty using that phrase). Some mock drafts consider us stacked claiming we will go after a young prospect. Others state we look to solidify our starting roster and don't want another young prospect.
So far for RSL the draft has been like a roller-coaster for fans...or maybe a more appropriate comparison would be a fun house. A place of dizzying colors and confusion at every turn.
This will be RSL's 6th SuperDraft since joining the league in 2005 and we are all very aware of the 2005 pick as it seems it only took minutes for RSL's first blunder in the league. RSL picks Nik Besagno...the Ryan Leaf of MLS. Here is a rundown of RSL draft history.
2005
1st Pick - Nik Besagno (Ryan Leaf)
13th Pick - Jamie Watson (Super-sub for a while and a fan favorite, but not really MLS material)
22nd Pick - Jay Nolly (MLS didn't work out, but a regular for Vancouver in 2008)
37th Pick - Luke Kreamalmeyer (Like most late MLS pick he ended up in the lower leagues)
2006
2nd Pick - Medhi Ballouchy (Best pick in RSL history solely based on getting Kyle Beckerman in a straight up trade for the guy?)
26th Pick - Ryan Johnson (I remember seeing moments of "Oh, this is why we have this guy"...those moments are now being shown to the fans in San Jose as Ryan has become a regular starter for the Earthquakes. He has become one of the most successful players to be drafted by RSL.)
2007
4th Pick - Chris Seitz (Most hyped pick for RSL though he did poorly in his chances with Salt Lake...now will have a chance to truly prove himself with Philadelphia and no matter how well he does I'll be happy we have (and kept) Nick Rimando)
30th Pick - Steven Curfman (Who?...doesn't really matter does it)
2008
3rd Pick - Tony Beltran (The most productive pick for RSL to this point?)
14th Pick - David Horst (I really just don't think he'll have staying power in MLS)
17th Pick - Alex Nimo (Doing well in USL, yet to see if MLS is in his future)
*It must be noted here that RSL traded a late pick here as part of the trade round table that eventually landed Nick Rimando in SLC.
2009
12th Pick - Jean Alexandre (Still being evaluated)
54th Pick - Raphael Cox (Still being evaluated)
57th Pick - Mfana Futhe Bhembe (Back home in Africa)
2010
The number 16th, 32nd, and 48th pick
And there you go. (Isn't it nice not having to pick in the top 3?)
RSL and the SuperDraft throughout the Years
