2023 MLS Mock Draft: Final Mock 4 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 1-15

The official list for the 2023 MLS Super Draft is now out. Find out which players go where in my final four round mock draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 21, 2022.

1. St. Louis City SC: Ilijah Paul, F, Washington
   
   
   St. Louis City SC will join the MLS in 2023 running a 4-2-3-1 formation with 1 forward, 3 attacking midfielders on the left, central, and right side that act as both wingers and secondary strikers, 2 midfielders that would be box-to-box midfielders on both ends contributing on offense and defense, 4 defensemen, and 1 goalie. St. Louis City SC has already signed 8 out of 8 International players despite having ten players on their active roster born outside the United States. St. Louis City SC gave CF Montreal $100,000 in Allocation money for a ninth International roster slot giving St. Louis City SC one more International roster slot which will only take effect for the 2023 Season. St. Louis City S.C. acquired two more International slots and signed a ninth International player. Both Kyle Hiebert and Joshua Yaro have green cards.
   
   
   
   St. Louis City SC has Klaus at striker, Isak Jensen at left attacking midfielder, Aziel Jackson at central attacking midfielder in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Rasmus Alm at right attacking midfielder, Jared Stroud at left midfielder, Eduard Lowen at central midfielder, Tomas Ostrak at right midfielder, Selmir Pidro at left back, Kyle Hiebert at center back, Joakim Nilsson at center back, Joshua Yaro at centerback, Jake Nerwinski at right back, and Roman Burki at goalie. This gives St. Louis City SC the luxury to take the best player on their board in the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
   
   
   
   St. Louis City SC took Nicholas Gioacchini a 22-year-old midfielder/forward from Orlando City S.C. with their first pick in the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft where he'll be a backup left attacking midfielder. Indiana Vassilev a backup midfielder on Inter Miami C.F. was St. Louis City SC's second pick as he's only 21-years-old. Jonathan Bell a backup center back on the New England Revolution was the third pick for St. Louis City SC in the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft. John Nelson a former first round pick at left back in the 2019 MLS Super Draft goes to St. Louis City SC as a backup left back. Jake LaCava a 21-year-old forward on New York Red Bulls in the USL will be a backup right attacking midfielder to Rasmus Alm on St. Louis City SC. Jake LaCava got traded to Inter Miami C.F. for Allocation Money which was used on Houston Dynamo center back Tim Parker. Samuel Adeniran was the secondary striker on the 2022 USL Champion San Antonio FC to Santiago Patino last year. He was in the Seattle Sounders Academy, but St. Louis City SC. traded the Seattle Sounders allocation money for Adeniran's rights. Former Virginia Tech goalie Ben Lungaard will be the backup goalie on St. Louis City SC.
   
   
   
   St. Louis City SC could promote left midfielder Celio Pompeu who has 3 goals, 3 assists, 6 points, plus a green card meaning he wouldn't count as an International roster slot, and right back Akil Walkes a 22-year-old right back who has 4 goals. Walkes is also born in the United States so he'd give St. Louis City SC their first domestic player. Vitor Diaz could play the right attacking midfielder role if he gets promoted too since he's got a green card. There's less urgency to promote anyone in this group from MLS Next to MLS outside of Akil Watts.
   
   
   
   St. Louis City SC enters the 2023 MLS Super Draft needing only a striker to compete with Klauss for minutes. I love the depth this team has at winger, midfielder, and defense. Klauss is the only striker on this roster and there's no depth at central forward. St. Louis City SC traded for a backup striker on the Seattle Sounders that was developed through their academy, but I think Ilijah Paul is better and has to be the pick here even with St. Louis City S.C. having two International roster slots available for 2023.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 185 lb Ilijah Paul may have the best resume of any underclassmen in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Ilijah Paul helped Valpraiso United end a fifteen year drought to win a State Championship in Arizona during his freshman year in High School. A year later he scored 10 goals with the Real Salt Lake Under 16 Academy as a sophomore. This guy was so exceptional that he actually played with Phoenix Rising FC as a junior in High School in the USL being the youngest player in history to sign a USL deal with Phoenix Rising FC where he played until he graduated High School.
   
   
   
   After High School, Paul committed to the San Francisco Dons before transferring to Washington in the Trasfer Portal. San Francisco's coach called Paul a special player while Washington head coach Jamie Clark called him a difference maker.
   
   
   
   Ilijah Paul sat behind Gio Miglietti in 2021, but Miglietti moved to center back this season allowing Paul to take over at striker for Washington in 2022. The Washington Huskies went until the final regular season game before losing their first game to Oregon State at home. Ilijah Paul may headline this team, but Washington has as many as seven players on their roster that could end up in the top 15 of the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Coach Clark's Huskies are that stacked this year.
   
   
   
   Ilijah Paul had 11 goals, 4 assists, and 26 points in 18 games played and 15 games started in 2022 winning the PAC 12 Offensive Player Of The Year in 2022. I usually don't give first year starters the benefit of the doubt, but Ilijah Paul has the most consistent resume I've seen from a college soccer player since Andre Blake back in the 2014 MLS Super Draft with Connecticut. Blake had 15 shutouts as a freshman at Connecticut in 2011, 12 shutouts as a sophomore in 2012, and 10 shutouts in 2013 before being drafted first overall by the Philadelphia Union. Basically, Paul is the first MLS Prospect outside of Andre Blake to warrant the label of a Generational Talent.
   
   
   
   He's also a domestic player born in the United States and teams can take him knowing he won't occupy an International roster slot. An expansion team like St. Louis City SC needs a guy like Ilijah Paul to be the face of their franchise.
   
   
   
   Paul is fast, agile, he's got the kicking power and kicking accuracy you want a goal scoring forward to have. Ilijah can score on headers and steal the ball from opponents by playing well defensively. He can be assertive and dominant without being domineering. Not only does he have the right balance of aggressiveness without being overtly aggressive, he's also a high energy guy. His teammates respond to his infectious energy on the pitch.
   
   
   
   If you're a goalie going up against Paul, you have to protect the soccer ball like it's your child against the Washington Huskies because Ilijah is capable of intercepting a pass if your goalie makes the wrong decision. Paul is a master at capitalizing on second chance scoring opportunities especially if the goalie tries to kick it to a defender and Paul anticipates that. This young man will snipe your goalie with his foot or head if you give him second or third chance opportunities.
   
   
   
   Ilijah Paul can play the 7 at right winger, the 9 at striker, or 11 at left winger with his versatility. I've been covering the MLS Draft since 2012 and Ilijah Paul is the only player outside of Philadelphia Union goalie Andre Blake that would warrant consideration as a Generational talent. The only players outside of Ilijah Paul who justify being drafted first overall are Shakur Mohammed, C.J. Fodrey, Joshua Bolma, and Joey Akpunonu. Those other four players are all currently in my top 5 overall with Ilijah Paul leading the pack since I view Ilijah Paul as a five star prospect entering the MLS. Outside of Andre Blake and Cyle Larin, Paul is the only other number one draft pick I've had a blue chip grade on.
   
   
   
   My player comparison for Ilijah Paul would be Jesus Ferrara the homegrown striker on F.C. Dallas. When I watch Paul I see a lot of similar traits that Ferrera brings to the game and it's pretty rare to get a player that was good enough to warrant a homegrown contract with Real Salt Lake in the MLS Super Draft. Ilijah Paul is the number one player on my 2023 MLS Draft Big Board.
   
   
   
   I've gotten the opportunity to meet and interview a lot of really good star caliber players leading up to MLS Drafts over the years with this website and podcast. Paul has a chance to be better then anyone I've spoken with if he continues to work on his game. He had 8 goals after the first month of September and once I saw him dominate against teams like Michigan State, Seattle U, and UCLA I knew this guy was in the conversation to go first overall.
   
   
   Previous Pick: C.J. Fodery, F, San Diego State
   
   
2. Orlando City S.C.: Shakur Mohammed, M, Duke
   
   
   D.C. United traded the second overall pick in the 2023 MLS Super Draft to Orlando City S.C. about an hour before the 2023 MLS Super Draft, so I'm just going to slot Shakur Mohammed here at 2 for now. D.C. United got Orlando City S.C.'s starting right back in the trade.
   
   
   
   The 5-10 160 lb Shakur Mohammed had 3 goals, 7 assists, and 14 points as a true freshman with the Duke Blue Devils in the Fall of 2021. Shakur Mohammed was also at the 2021 MLS College Showcase impressing MLS scouts as a 10 at attacking midfielder. He wasn't at the 2022 MLS College Showcase, but he's projected as a top five draft pick regardless.
   
   
   
   Shakur Mohammed had 10 goals, 2 assists, and 22 points as a sophomore and did enough to win the 2022 ACC Offensive Player Of The Year. Duke went undefeated in the regular season before losing to Clemson in the quarterfinals of the 2022 ACC Men's Soccer Championship. Duke got to the elite 8 in the College Cup in both 2021 and 2022 in both of Shakur Mohammed's two seasons starting at Duke.
   
   
   
   Shakur Mohammed can play the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker or the 10 at attacking midfielder. Shakur Mohammed has really improved his versatility this season at Duke. Shakur Mohammed, the Duke midfielder reminds me of Darlington Ngabe from the 2011 MLS Super Draft when comes to using his speed, playmaking, passing, kicking power, kicking accuracy, and vision as a soccer player on the pitch.
   
   
   Previous Pick: J.C. Ngando, M, UNC Greensboro
   
   
   
   
3. Colorado Rapids: C.J. Fodery, F, San Diego State
   
   
   Toronto traded their 2023 first round pick to the Colorado Rapids. The irony is that Toronto F.C. traded their 2022 first round pick away to F.C. Dallas last year for Allocation Money. Colorado's only occupied four of their eight International roster slots for the 2023 MLS Season. Colorado could move this pick for allocation money as the third overall pick in the MLS Super Draft has been moved for allocation money in four of the past five MLS Super Drafts on draft day.
   
   
   
   Colorado is using a 4-1-4-1 formation after using a 5-1-3-1 formation in 2021. Colorado struggled earlier in the season using 5 defenders and three center backs, so now their using a more traditional formation that suits them better as the team has had more success since switching to a 4-1-4-1 in 2022. This team has quality starters and depth players at left back thanks to drafting Northern Illinois left back Anthony Markanich with a 2022 first round pick and center back thanks to Colorado running formations with three center backs with Keegan Rosenberry starting at right back. A 4-1-4-1 formation involves four defenders, one defensive midfielder, a left winger, two attacking midfielders, a right winger, and a striker as the main forward. Colorado's also deployed a 4-4-2 at times as well applying a variety of formations.
   
   
   
   Colorado's two best central forwards at striker are unresticted Free Agents after this season. San Diego State forward C.J. Fodrey is worthy of going this high and would be an immediate starter on the Colorado Rapids if he were selected here. I think both Ilijah Paul and C.J. Fodrey are worthy of going first overall and whoever doesn't go first overall will probably get picked by Colorado at 3 assuming the Colorado Rapids do not trade this pick for Allocation money. With Nathan Opoku declining his Generation Adidas offer after an incredible sophomore season at Syracuse, it opens up the possibility of C.J. Fodrey going here.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 170 lb C.J. Fodrey had 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points as a true freshman in 2022. Fodrey also played with the San Diego Loyal in the USL where he's been getting hands on training and mentorship from former MLS legend Landon Donovan. A player that was a relative unknown, but had a lot of USL experience back in 2017 was Jeremy Ebobisse whose been a huge success in the MLS. I think that's the ceiling for Fodrey with Fodrey having the floor of someone like winger Miguel Berry. Fodrey is gonna do whatever he can to help his team score a goal and he's got a very humble personality.
   
   
   
   C.J. Fodrey can play the 9 at striker or 11 at left winger with his versatility. Fodrey's youth and longevity can make him a player that lasts in MLS for 15-20 years instead of 10-15 years if he pans out due to how young he is.
   
   
   
   Getting a player with that type of longevity is huge especially if the Colorado Rapids hit on this pick. Ben Bender last years number one pick had a three star potential rating out of five stars on Top Drawer Soccer. Top Drawer Soccer gave C.J. Fodrey a four star potential rating out of five stars afer giving Bender only a three star rating out of five stars.
   
   
   
   2 Balls And A Mic had C.J. Fodrey on their podcast a week before the 2022 MLS College Showcase last week. I was blown away with how well Fodrey interviewed and even took the time to watch his game film.
   
   
   
   Previous Pick: Nathan Opoku, F, Syracuse
   
   
4. San Jose Earthquakes: Joshua Bolma, F, Maryland
   
   
   San Jose has only used five of their eight International slots after finding out that two of the six International players on their 2023 roster have green cards. San Jose has also drafted well in the first round of the Super Draft getting players like Jackson Yueill in the 2017 MLS Super Draft, Siad Haji who was one of my top players in that draft at midfielder in 2019, Stanford center back Tanner Beason who I had a top 10 grade on in 2020 at 12, Ousenni Bouda in 2022, and Clemson center back Oskar Agren in 2022.
   
   
   
   This tells me that the San Jose Earthquakes just may take the best player on the board. Getting updates at attacking midfielder and left back are the two areas I'd adress. San Jose signed Brazilian defensive midfielder Judson in Free Agency addressing one of their three big needs there. Getting an attacking midfielder or a left back at 4 are the most logicial options. That leaves Maryland forward Joshua Bolma and Clemson left back Joey Skinner as the best options for San Jose at 4 if Ilijah Paul and Shakur Mohammed are off the board.
   
   
   
   San Jose gets a player that is gonna get offers from Europe as well as Germany at four. Maryland forward Joshua Bolma is that guy and his ceiling is through the roof too. I'd argue he's got a shot of being a Cyle Larin or Tajon Buchanan type of talented player that dominates for two years and then goes overseas to sign elsewhere.
   
   
   
   The 5-9 135 lb Joshua Bolma had 4 goals, 4 assists, and 12 points in the Fall of 2021 as a freshman redshirt. Bolma asserted himself as the leader of Maryland's offense with Ben Bender gone. Joshua Bolma has the speed, stamina, dribbling, and awareness you want from an MLS winger. The rest of his game needs some refining at the next level, but he's good in a lot of categories with speed being Bolma's one elite trait.
   
   
   
   Joshua Bolma had 2 goals, 8 assists, and 12 points as a sophomore redshirt in 2022. Maryland was the 1 seed in the 2022 Big Ten Tournament and made the 2022 Big Ten Semifinals before falling to Indiana. Maryland won their opening round game in the 2022 College Cup before losing to Cornell.
   
   
   
   Joshua Bolma played the 11 at left winger in 2021. He's moved to the 10 at attacking midfielder in 2022. Joshua Bolma participated in both the 2021 MLS College Showcase and will participate in this years 2022 MLS College Showcase.
   
   
   
   San Jose's offense would have Jeremy Ebobisse at striker, Cade Cowell at left winger, Joshua Bolma at attacking midfielder, and Chrisitan Espinoza at right winger. If Espinoza leaves when his contract is up, then Ousseni Bouda, San Jose's 2022 first round pick Ousenni Bouda takes over for Espinoza at right winger next season.
   
   
   
   
   
5. Houston Dynamo F.C.: Joey Akpunonu, D, Bowling Green
   
   
   Houston Dynamo F.C. gets a center back that can play both the 4 at sweeper and the 5 at center back. That's exacty what Joey Akpunonu brings to a team.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 185 lb Joey Akpunonu is a perfect replacement for Tim Parker. Drafting Joey Akpunonu gives Houston Dynamo F.C. a center back tandem of Ethan Bartlow and Joey Akpunonu with one playing the 4 at the sweeper and the other playing the 5 at center back.
   
   
   
   Joey Akpunonu led Bowling Green with 6 goals, 12 points, and helped Bowling Green record 7 shutouts in their 16 games after losing Bowling Green center back Jacob Earlandson, who was drafted in the second round of the 2022 MLS Super Draft. Joey Akpunonu was part of a Bowling Green backline that allowed one goal or less in 15 of the Bowling Green Falcons 16 regular season game. The only team that scored two goals on Bowling Green was Western Michigan, the eventual 2022 MAC Champions, and that two goal game for Western Michigan was a home contest for the Western Michigan Broncos against Bowling Green.
   
   
   
   Joey Akpunonu can play the 4 at sweeper and the 5 at center back. He has the speed, stamina, passing, kicking power, kicking accuracy, tackling, ability to intercept passes with headers, vision, and soccer IQ to be a very good two-way defender that makes an impact offensively and defensively in the MLS. Joey Akpunonu has a 4.0 GPA and plans on becoming a doctor if his MLS career doesn't work out. His character is through the roof and he's a top 5 pick in the 2023 MLS Super Draft after a strong junior season at Bowling Green.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Joran Gerbet, M, Oregon State
   
   
6. Orlando City S.C.: Joey Skinner, D, Clemson
   
   
   Orlando City S.C used the 2022 MLS Super Draft to reload on offense. Five of the eleven Generation Adidas players are off the board with Ilijah Paul, Shakur Mohammed, C.J. Fodrey, Joshua Bolma, and Joey Akpunonu all going in the top five. The remaining Generation Adidas players are Clemson left back Joey Skinner, New Hampshire center back Moise Bombito, and Creighton midfielder Owen O'Malley.
   
   
   
   Owen O'Malley isn't even the best player on his own team. That honor belongs to Creighton junior redshirt Duncan McGuire whose a senior in this draft. That leaves Joey Skinner and Moise Bombito as the candidates in play at 6.
   
   
   
   Orlando City S.C. retained all four center backs. Starting center backs Antonio Carlos and Rodrigo Schlegel were the starting center backs for Orlando City S.C. in 2022 and both of them are back. Backup center backs Robin Jansson and Thomas Williams were both renewed for the 2023 MLS Season as well. This eliminates the possibility of Moise Bombito being the sixth overall pick if Orlando City S.C. keeps the selection.
   
   
   
   Orlando City S.C. has Ruan Teixeira the starting right back and backup right back Kyle Smith under contract for next season. Orlando City S.C. also has Cesar Araujo at defensive midfielder and Wilder Cartagena as the backup defensive midfielder.
   
   
   
   Orlando City S.C. gave up $400,000 in Allocation Money to Toronto F.C. for young left back Luca Petrasso. Luca Petrasso is 22-years-old and he's taking over for last years starting left back Joao Mutinho who is moving on from the team. Orlando doesn't have a backup to Petrasso at left back if he's injured or has a red card. Drafting the 19-year-old Joey Skinner for depth behind Luca Petrasso gives Orlando City S.C. depth at left back giving Orlando City S.C. one of the deeper backlines in the MLS with starters plus depth players at left back, center back, right back, and defensive midfielder. That's the kind of depth this backline will need if Orlando City S.C. wants to emerge as a challenger in the Eastern Conference with 2022 first round pick Jack Lynn expected to be an MLS regular in 2023 after impressing people in MLS Next.
   
   
   
   Now Orlando City S.C. will use the 2023 MLS Super Draft to reload on defense giving Orlando a 3 at left back for depth. Joey Skinner is the second youngest player in the entire 2023 MLS Super Draft and the sixth Generation Adidas player among the eight in this draft class.
   
   
   
   The 6-2 155 lb Joey Skinner had 4 goals, 7 assists, 15 points, and helped UNC Greensboro record 9 shutouts as a true freshman. Joey Skinner had 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 points, and helped Clemson record 9 shutouts after transferring from UNC Greensboro to Clemson against much tougher competition in the ACC. Joey Skinner showed the versatility to play both the 2 at right back and the 3 at left back in Clemson's ACC Tournament win over undefeated Duke making him a plug-in-play fullback even though left back is his natural position.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Kalani Kossa-Rienzi, M, Washington
   
   
   
   
7. Atlanta United F.C.: Duncan McGuire, F, Creighton
   
   
   Atlanta United F.C. may be the trickiest team in the top 10 to decipher and honestly this is a team that could be the second candidate outside of the Colorado Rapids at 3 to move their draft pick for allocation money. For starters, Atlanta United F.C. has some players from the 2022 MLS Super Draft like right back Erik Centeno and winger Tristan Trager from Air Force in MLS Next that could push for roster spots in the MLS at some point either this year, in 2024, or in 2025.
   
   
   
   Vicente Reyes is on Atlanta United 2's USL team at goalie giving Atlanta United F.C.. Jonatan Villal is an attacking midfielder who could develop into the backup attacking midfielder at some point for Atlanta United F.C. down the road.
   
   
   
   Atlanta United F.C. ran a 4-2-3-1 formation in 2022. With their head Gonzalo Pineda returning this formation should stay the same. There's tension brewing between Martinez and Pineda though.
   
   
   
   At forward, Atlanta United F.C. has striker Josef Martinez entering a contract year in 2023, left winger Luis Araujo, right winger Ronaldo Cisneros, and attacking midfielder Thiago Almeda. Atlanta United F.C. is going to hire a new president and the big question right now is what the team plans to do with Josef Martinez.
   
   
   
   Atlanta United F.C. has two midfielders. Matheus Rossetto will be the central midfielder while Santiago Soga will take over at defensive midfielder in 2023.
   
   
   
   Atlanta United F.C. has Andrew Gutman returning at left back, Miles Robinson returning from his injury at center back, and Brooks Lennon returning as the staritng right back with Ronald Hernandez as the backup right back despite drafting Erik Centeno in the first round last year. Brad Guzan will be back as the starting goalie.
   
   
   
   Atlanta United F.C.'s starting center back Juan Jose Purata has an expiring contract, while Alan Franco disappointed to the point where Atlanta United F.C. is expected to move him despite the fact that Franco's contract runs through 2025. Atlanta United F.C. is in a position where they will take the best domestic born player on the board at 7. Atlanta can draft the top senior, develop him, and bring him up to the MLS if Josef Martinez decides to move on from the team.
   
   
   
   The 6-1 190 lb Duncan McGuire had 23 goals, 3 assists, and 49 points in 2022. Duncan McGuire has to be the front runner to win the 2022 Hermann Trophy after his dominant junior redshirt season where he led the country with 23 goals for Creighton. He helped Creighton win the Big East Tournament as a six seed where they knocked off the top seed Georgetown Hoyas in the Big East Championship Game. Creighton then defeated a Missouri State that was ranked in the top 25 in the round of 48, 2 seed Washington in the round of 32, 15 seed Tulsa in the sweet 16, and 7 seed Duke in the elite 8 before losing to the eventual 2022 College Cup Champion Syracuse in regulation. Duncan McGuire is in the 2023 MLS Super Draft as a senior following such a dominant season.
   
   
   
   Worst case scenario, Duncan McGuire and Tristan Trager form a deadly forward tandem on Atlanta United 2 in MLS Next in 2023 before both get promoted in either 2024 or 2025 with Jonatan Villal as a good attacking midfielder in MLS Next too. Best case scenario for Duncan McGuire is that Atlanta opts to move on from Josef Martinez and Duncan McGuire comes in and replaces Martinez having an instant impact with the team.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Dyson Clapier, M, Akron
   
   
8. Sporting Kansas City: Owen O'Malley, M, Creighton
   
   
   Last year, I said Sporting Kansas City needs defensive help with both starting center backs in their thirties. Sporting Kansas City drafted Esai Easley in the first round of the 2022 MLS Super Draft and he's gonna need a second center back to pair with if Nicolas Isimat-Mirin leaves in Free Agency. Sporting Kansas City drafts a midfielder here at 8.
   
   
   
   The 6-0 150 lb Owen O'Malley is versatile enough to play left midfielder, central midfielder, or left winger with his versatility. Owen O'Malley can play the 8 at central midfielder, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger.
   
   
   
   Owen O'Malley had 8 goals, 5 assists, and 21 points in 2022. His father and sister Shea are soccer players too, so that tells you that Owen O'Malley comes from a very prestigous soccer family which could attract Sporting Kansas City at 8.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Matthew Bell, F, Marshall
   
   
   
   
9. Seattle Sounders: Moise Bombito, D, New Hampshire
   
   
   Seattle goes for youth at center back. Moise Bombito has elite speed and a knack for making critical tackles to prevent scoring chances. One person who messaged me about Bombito prior to the 2022 MLS College Showcase called him the best center back in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. His highlight reel from Iowa Western Community College impressed me.
   
   
   
   The 6-3 190 lb Moise Bombito had 4 goals, 8 points, and helped New Hampshire record 9 shutouts in 16 starts. Bombito wows you with his defensive play as he's consistently making signature tackles to take pressure off his goalie. I'd like to see him pass the ball more frequently, but he checks off every single box outside of that. Passing isn't a weakness with him as he delivers crisp accurate passes to teammates. The only drawback is he requires an International roster slot, but the Seattle Sounders have only used 5 of their 8 International roster slots. Moise Bombito also didn't start New Hampshire's biggest game of the year in the season opener against Maryland. Seattle can gamble on Moise Bombito here since the Sounders have International roster slots available and if their gamble pays off, he could fix the back line right away for the Seattle Sounders in 2023.
   
   
   Previous Pick: Duncan McGuire, F, Creighton
   
   
10. New England Revoultion: Levonte Johnson, F, Syracuse
    
    
    New England is loaded on the back line with Matt Polster at defensive midfielder, DeJuan Jones at left back, Andrew Farrell at center back, Henry Kessler at center back, and Brandon Bye at right back. Gustavo Bou is a great streaker and Carles Gill is quite effective at attacking midfielder. New England has talent everywhere except winger.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 185 lb Levonte Johnson had 9 goals, 8 assists, and 26 points in the Fall of 2021 at Seattle U. After participating in the 2021 MLS College Showcase and being denied a Generation Adidas offer, Levonte Johnson transferred to Syracuse in the Transfer Portal. Levonte Johnson had 11 goals, 6 assists, and 28 points in 25 starts with Syracuse in 2022 while being one of three Hermann Trophy finalists in this draft along with Duncan McGuire.
    
    
    
    Levonte Johnson can play the 7 at right winger or the 9 at striker with his versatility. New England has three International roster slots available and may see Tajon Buchanan in Levonte Johnson.
    
    
    
    
    
11. Nashville S.C.: Bertin Jacquesson, F, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Nashville S.C. reserves the right to swap 2023 first round picks with Charlotte FC since they traded two International roster slots to Charlotte for Allocation money and the option to swap 2023 first round picks. Nashville S.C. goes for a winger for depth here since this draft selection is sort of a luxury pick.
    
    
    
    Nashville S.C. gets a winger for depth. Bertin Jacquesson can play the 7 at right winger, the 9 at striker, and the 11 at left winger. He's best utilized in a winger role though. Bertin Jacquesson gives Nashville S.C. depth on the wing.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 160 lb Bertin Jacquesson is a three year starter at Pittsburgh with the versatility to play both spots on the wing. Bertin Jacquesson had 4 goals, 7 assists, and 15 points in the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021 winning ACC Freshman of the Year. Bertin Jacquesson had 7 goals, 11 assists, and 25 points as a sophomore in 2021. Bertin Jacquesson had 8 goals, 5 assists, and 21 points as a junior in 2022. Bertin also scored the game-winning goal for Pittsburgh to knock out the top seed Kentucky Wildcats in the Sweet 16 who were undefeated heading into that game. That big play by Bertin Jacquesson saved his chances of being a Generation Adidas prospect.
    
    
    
    The 21-year-old Bertin Jacquesson has elite kicking power and deadly speed on the attack. His kicking accuracy is up and down, but someone will take Bertin Jacquesson in the first round now that he's Generation Adidas player.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Christian Soto, M, Washington
    
    
12. Colorado Rapids: J.C. Ngando, M, UNC Greensboro
    
    
    Colorado gets an attacking midfielder at 12. Remember Colorado is a team that's used a three center back formation and a 5-3-2-1, a 5-2-3-1, and a 5-2-1-3 applying different combinations for formations. Colorado used four defensemen this year, but the team had more success using five defensemen in 2021, so it wouldn't surprise me if Colorado went back to that.
    
    
    
    Colorado gets one of the best midfielders in College Soccer and drafts the tenth of the eleven Generation Adidas players in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. J.C. Ngando whose full name is Jean Claude Ngando-Mbdende is 23-years-old despite being a sophomore at UNC Greensboro. He accepted a Generation Adidas offer in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Remember, last year Theo Collomb was eilgible for the 2022 MLS Super Draft as a senior despite being a sophomore on the soccer team with two seasons on UNC Greensboro with 7 and 15 goals since Collomb had his degree as a 21-year-old.
    
    
    
    Colorado has the luxury of making this pick. The Colorado Rapids only have four of their eight International roster spots occupied for the 2023 MLS Season.
    
    
    
    The 5-8 170 lb J.C. Ngando was the SoCon Freshman of the Year in 2021. J.C. Ngando had 5 goals, 8 assists, and 18 points in the Fall of 2021. J.C. Ngando won SoCon Player OF The Year in 2022 and had 4 goals, 14 assists, and 22 points in 2022 while playing 1,833 minutes.
    
    
    
    UNC Greensboro head coach Chris Rich said Ngando was MLS Ready when UNC Greensboro played Clemson on the ACC Network. I agree one hundred percent with that statement as this is a playmaker with elite vision, decision making, and soccer IQ that delivers consistently.
    
    
    
    J.C. Ngando can play the 8 at central midfielder or the 10 at attacking midfielder. He's a natural playmaker for your offense if you want someone who can generate assists for your striker.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Andreas Ueland, D, Virginia
    
    
    
    
13. Vancouver Whitecaps: Malcolm Johnston, M, Maryland
    
    
    Vancouver runs a 3-4-2-1 formation. Basically everyone except their central midfielder will be back next season. Six of their starters are International players so if Vancouver cuts the two International backups and doesn't re-sign their central midfielder, they'll have three International roster spots that they can use for a Free Agent, a draft pick, or perhaps signing Theo Collomb to an MLS contract. Either way, Vancouver can do whatever they wish with those International slots this offseason.
    
    
    
    Ricketts whose underperformed at striker will be gone next season as he only has 2 goals and 1 assist. Brian White and Simon Becher will be the strikers on Vancouver and you'll still have Theo Collomb in MLS Next with the option to promote him. You got both attacking midfielders back until 2024. A captain at defensive midfielder. Vancouver also has a winger tandem of Ryan Raposo and Julian Gressel. Vancouver has all three defenders in their twenties too. Getting a central midfielder is the lone need.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 175 lb Malcolm Johnston is a two year team captain from Maryland. He's also the one of the top Canadian players in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. He played the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, and the 8 at central midfielder throughout his career at Maryland.
    
    
    
    You have to look past Malcolm Johnston only having 2 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points in the Fall of 2021. Malcolm Johnston had 6 goals, 8 assists, and 20 points in 2022. The leadership and energy he brings to your squad is infectious. That's why I'd take him over any of the goalie options in this years draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: John Klein, M, Saint Louis
    
    
    
    
14. Columbus Crew: Isaiah Reid, F, Clemson
    
    
    The Columbus Crew could use upgrades at left back, left wing, and striker if the team wants a goal scorer who gets double digit goals. Columbus would be my third candidate to move their draft pick for allocation money since the team had two first round picks last year, plus I could see them wanting to trade this pick if a player at a position of need isn't on the board.
    
    
    
    Most Crew fans seem to agree that left back is the biggest of these four needs. I mocked a left back to Columbus back in 2022, but Columbus went for a stop gap over a long-term talent.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 150 lb Isaiah Reid is versatile enough to play the 3 at left back, the 9 at striker, or the 11 at left winger. Isaiah Reid had 9 goals, 3 assists, and 21 points in 2021. He was the hero during Clemson's 2021 College Cup season where Clemson won it all scoring both goals in Clemson's 2-0 win over Washington in the 2021 College Cup Championship Game playing the 9 striker. Isaiah Reid only had 3 goals, 0 assists, and 6 points in 13 starts with Clemson this season when transitioning to the 11 at left winger. Isaiah Reid has been a forward his entire career, but he's being asked to play the 3 at left back at the 2022 MLS College Showcase. Columbus drafts Reid for value trying to find a role for him. If Columbus can find a good value pick at left back in the second round, then they can move Reid to left wing, otherwise he'll play at left back.
    
    
    
15. Portland Timbers: Daniel Munie, D, Indiana
    
    
    The 6-0 180 lb Daniel Munie went to the same High School as Jack Maher, the second overall pick in the 2020 MLS Super Draft. He's versatile enough to play the 2 at at right back, the 3 at left back, the 4 at center back, or the 5 at center back being used as a teams sweeper with his versatility. He's played center back in High School and College, but some project Munie to play fullback on the outside as a wing back in the MLS due to his height.
    
    
    
    Daniel Munie did well as a junior redshirt with 3 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, and helped Indiana record 13 shutouts with highly coveted goalie Roman Celentano starting 11 of those games. Daniel Munie should be eligible for the 2023 MLS Super Draft as a senior redshirt if he has his degree since he returned to Indiana after participating in the 2021 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    Daniel Munie entered the preseason as a top 10 pick, but his film looked a lot worse without Roman Celentano who had great success with FC Cincinnati as a rookie goalie. Munie struggled against Clemson in the season opener, but still put together 4 goals, 6 assists, 14 points, and 8 shutouts with Indiana in 2022. Indiana didn't surrender a goal in the 2022 College Cup until the Championship match against Syracuse. Playing that dominant in the postseason allows Munie to end up being a top 15 pick as Daniel Munie goes to a Portland Timbers team that needs upgrades at center back.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chris Rindov, D, Maryland