2023 MLS Mock Draft: Final Mock 4 Rounds

Round 1 Picks 16-29

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

16. Real Salt Lake: Hamady Diop, D, Clemson
    
    
    Real Salt Lake has needs at secondary striker next to Cordova, left winger after failing to replace Albert Rusnak, and goalie with both the starter plus the backup goalie having expiring contracts. These are all positions that Real Salt Lake could target with their two first round picks at sixteen and twenty five which they just got today for Aaron Herrera.
    
    
    
    Real Salt Lake could end up drafting the best player on the board at 16 and drafting for need at 25. The only Generation Adidas player on the board at 16 is Clemson center back Hamady Diop.
    
    
    
    Real Salt Lake has Marcelo Silva and Justen Glad as their current center back tandem. That's a great center back tandem for the short-term after the 25-year-old Glad won team MVP on Real Salt Lake last year, but Silva turns 34-years-old in March. Drafting Clemson center back Hamady Diop here allows you to select the final Generation Adidas player and stash him on Real Monarchs SLC in MLS Next until Silva begins to decline, since Silva is under contract with Real Salt Lake until the end of the 2024 MLS Season.
    
    
    
    By the time Silva declines he'll be approaching age 36 when his contract expires following the 2024 MLS Season. The 20-year-old Hamady Diop should be done with his development around the age of 22 by this time as well with two years of MLS Next Experience and the Internatonal roster slot that Silva occupies would transfer over to Diop unless he gets a Green Card after being drafted by an MLS team. Lots of International players have obtained green cards one or two years after they get drafted even though a lot of College Soccer players born outside of the United States don't have green cards.
    
    
    
    Once 2025 rolls around, you'd have a 27-year-old Justen Glad entering his prime with a 22-year-old Hamady Diop entering his rookie season in the MLS. This strong play on the back line will take pressure off of Real Salt Lake's starting goalie.
    
    
    
    Hamady Diop can play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. He played a regular center back role next to Oscar Agren in 2021, but played more of a sweeper role in 2022.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 186 lb Hamady Diop helped Clemson record 10 shutouts at center back on Clemson's Championship team in 2021. Hamady Diop helped Clemson record 9 shutouts in 2022. Hamady Diop was the final player to get a Generation Adidas offer.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Eliot Hamill, G, Duke
    
    
17. Orlando City S.C.: Valentin Noel, M, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Orlando City S.C used the 2022 MLS Super Draft to reload on offense. I gave Orlando City S.C. a left back for depth at 6 since the best player on the board at 6 was a 19-year-old left back who could be the final piece to improving Orlando City S.C.'s backline. Orlando also got rid of attacking midfielder Junior Urso, so that's an area that Orlando City S.C. may target at 17.
    
    
    
    Orlando City S.C. can draft an attacking midfielder or a defensive midfielder at 17. The organization can draft an attacking midfielder at 17. Both Valentin Noel and Knut Ahlander would be good choices here. Noel is a year younger, he's faced tougher competition in the ACC, and he's impressed me more on film even though both are very good College soccer players.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 150 lb Valentin Noel has started every game at Pittsburgh since his freshman season since 2019. He's one of the more consistent players in this draft class.
    
    
    
    Valentin Noel had 3 goals, 3 assists, and 9 points as a freshman in 2019 at midfielder. Noel had 8 goals, 2 assists, and 18 points in the Fall of 2020 before having 6 goals and 12 more points in the Spring of 2021 giving Noel 14 goals, 2 assists, and 30 points as a sophomore while also being one of three finalists for the Hermann Trophy.
    
    
    
    Valentin Noel had 7 goals, 5 assists, and 19 points as a junior in the Fall of 2021. Valentin Noel had 11 goals, 3 assists, and 25 points as a senior in 2022. Pittsburgh got to two College Cups in three years while Noel asserted himself as the leader of Pittsburgh's soccer team in 2022. Noel scored thee game-winning goal for Pittsburgh in double overtime of an elite 8 game against Portland in the 2022 College Cup to send Pittsburgh to their second final four in three years.
    
    
    
    He could get drafted and end up playing that final season at Pittsburgh in 2023 before signing his MLS Contract to turn pro in 2024. Just something to keep an eye on moving forward leading up to the 2023 MLS Super Draft. I'm expecting Noel to get drafted and sign with a team though.
    
    
    
    Valentin Noel can play the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at atttacking midfielder, or the 11 at left winger. Valentin Noel is a jack of all trades player with outstanding leadership and a tremendous work ethic.
    
    
    
    I posted a film cut of Pittsburgh midfielder Valentin Noel versus North Carolina. I've also added thumbnails to my videos for 2023 MLS Draft prospects. I'm hoping to add more of these thumbnails to my Youtube videos in other sports for film cuts to get viewership up.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Also, I got the Valentin Noel interview up on Talkshoe. Also, I got the episode up on Anchor so you can listen to it while reading this mock draft. Noel's interview was the longest interview in the history of Draft Utopia when I recorded it last year leading up to the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
18. Inter Miami C.F.: Herbert Endeley, F, Indiana
    
    
    Inter Miami C.F. has stability at a lot of spots with both goalies back, their entire back line back from the first round of the 2022 MLS Playoffs back in 2023, their left winger back, and their right winger. Attacking midfielder with both attacking midfielders set to enter Free Agency along wtih striker with Gonzalo Higuain retiring are the only team needs Inter Miami C.F. has to look into addressing. Inter Miami C.F. has used seven of their 8 International slots and is expected to sign 2022 FIFA World Cup MVP Leonardo Messi to be their striker.
    
    
    
    Inter Miami C.F. needs an attacking midfielder. However the player they draft has to be a domesitc born player. Looking at Inter Miami C.F.'s first round picks, they've drafted players from Clemson, Indiana, Kentucky, and Washington sticking with top talent on blue blood soccer programs in the first round. I have Inter Miami C.F. drafting another domestic born player out of Indiana in the first round.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 152 lb Herbert Endeley is versatile enough to play the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger. Herbert Endeley had 4 goals, 6 assists, and 14 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Herbert Endeley has the speed, versatility, vision, passing, kicking power, and composure to look at the positives that a team accomplished even after losing an event like the College Cup in heartbreaking fashion. In fact I'd argue that Endeley has a top 5 leg in this draft if we're just grading players on kicking power alone. Endeley's kicking accuracy is inconsistent, but if a team gambles on him and refines that part of his game up, they could be getting a star player down the road. At the very worst, Herbert Endeley will be a serviceable depth player.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Knut Ahlander, M, SMU
    
    
19. Minnesota United F.C.: Abdi Salim, D, Syracuse
    
    
    Minnesota United F.C. goes with the best player on the board at 19. Minnesota United F.C. addresses their lone need at right back. Minnesota signed right back Zarek Valentin, but he was the backup right back on the Houston Dynamo last year starting only 4 games playing in 5. At best, Zarek Valentin is a stop gap until their first round pick develops at right back.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 177 lb Abdi Salim is versatile enough to play the 2 at right back, the 4 at sweeper, and the 5 at center back. Abdi Salim has started the last 11 games for Syracuse and had 13 starts on the year where Syracuse has recorded 6 of their 8 shutouts in those 13 starts. He's even shown he can step up at center back as a sweeper during the 2022 ACC Tournament as he started at center back for Buster Sjoberg, who missed that game with an injury. Abdi Salim looked like a potential All Star tackling Duncan McGuire on some key plays during the 2022 College Cup.
    
    
    
    Abdi Salim played in all ten games where Syracuse recorded a shutout. Abdi Salim started ten of those games showcasing the speed and tackling ability that you want from an MLS right back at the 2.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Robert Screen, D, Kentucky
    
    
20. Charlotte FC: MD Myers, F, Rutgers
    
    
    Charlotte FC is a tough team to project. Charlotte FC runs a 4-1-4-1 formation.
    
    
    
    Charlotte FC has Enzo Copetti who scored 11 goals with Racing Club at striker. Last years striker, Karol Swiderski is gonna move to one of Charlotte FC's two attacking midfielder roles complimenting Ben Bender after leading Charlotte FC with 10 goals last year. Yordy Renya will start at left winger and Andre Shinyashiki will start at right winger. Kamil Jozwiak is the backup left winger. Quinn McNeil and Daniel Rios give Charlotte FC good depth at attacking midfielder. Swiderski will probably move to striker if Enzo Copetti gets injured.
    
    
    
    Brandt Bonico remains the starting defensive midfielder. Joseph Mora is the starting left back. Anton Walkes and Guzman Corujo remain the starting center backs with Harrison Afful starting at right back. Charlotte FC has Adam Armour for depth at left back, Christian Fuchs for depth at center back, Jan Sobocinski for depth at center back, and Jaylin Lindsey as the backup right back.
    
    
    
    Charlotte FC has three goalies. Kristijan Kalania is the starting goalie. Pablo Sisniega is the backup goalie. George Marks, Charlotte FC's 2022 third round pick out of Clemson is the third string goalie.
    
    
    
    Charlotte FC has a lot of depth on the back line and at goalie. Getting depth at defensive midfielder, right winger, and striker if you want to keep Karol Swiderski at attacking midfielder are the three biggest needs for Charlotte FC.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 165 lb MD Myers also known as Matthew Myers had 14 goals, 4 assists, and 32 points in the Spring of 2021 at High Point. MD Myers had 7 goals, 3 assists, and 17 points in the Fall of 2021 at High Point. MD Myers transferred to Rutgers for his senior season. MD Myers had 13 goals, 7 assists, and 33 points in 2022. MD Myers played in the 2022 MLS College Showcase after leading Rutgers to a Big Ten Championship in 2022 and he won't occupy an International roster slot. He's a good addition for Charlotte FC here.
    
    
    
    
    
21. New York Red Bulls: Stephen Afrifa, F, Florida International
    
    
    The New York Red Bulls draft Florida International striker Stephen Afrifa since the team has one International roster slot available.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 150 lb Stephen Afrifa had 8 goals, 3 assists, and 19 points as a junior earning First Team All-Conference USA honors in 2021. Stephen Afrifa was the only player outside of SMU midfielder Knut Ahlander to earn First Team All-Conference Honors for the second year in a row. Stephen Afrifa had 10 goals, 4 assists, and 23 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Stephen Afrifa is a natural 9 at striker and the Toronto, Canada native won't count as an International roster slot if a Canadian team drafts him, but the New York Red Bulls are gonna need a better striker if they want to make a deep run towards an MLS Cup.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Buster Sjoberg, D, Syracuse
    
    
    
    
22. FC Cincinnati: Gabriel Alves, D, Marshall
    
    
    FC Cincinnati needs an upgrade at left back. The team also has only used 5 out of 8 International roster slots.
    
    
    
    I'm mocking Marshall left back Gabriel Alves here. He had an amazing interview on our podcast leading up to the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 176 lb Gabriel Alves can play the 3 at left back, the 4 at sweeper, the 5 at center back, the 6 at defensive midfielder, and perhaps the 11 at left winger too since he played left midfielder before converting to left back in Brazil. Gabriel Alves helped Marshall record 11 shutouts in the Spring of 2021 when Marshall won the 2020 College Cup, 9 shutouts in the Fall of 2021, and Marshall had 5 shutouts in 2022. Gabriel Alves had 1 goal, 1 assist, and 3 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Also, I got the Gabriel Alves up on Talkshoe. Also, I got the episode up on Anchor so you can listen to it while reading this mock draft. Alve's interview was the longest interview in the history of Draft Utopia when I recorded it on Friday surpassing the time length of the Noel interview I recorded last year. Both interviews were outstanding and both players are first round prospects that deserve to be drafted in the top 20. If either player falls out of the top 20, those two picks could be the biggest first round steals in the entire 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
    Previous Pick: Alex Meinhard, F, Tulsa
    
    
23. Los Angeles Galaxy: Keegan Hughes, D, Stanford
    
    
    I've been saying for two years that Los Angeles needs to upgrade at center back. Nick DePuy is not a true center back, he was a forward in college soccer that converted to center back. The Los Angeles Galaxy draft a Stanford centerback here.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 190 lb Keegan Hughes dominated as a freshman in 2019 with 3 goals, 3 assists, and 9 points in 2019. He helped Stanford win a PAC 12 Championship in 2020 during the Spring of 2021. He only had 1 goal, 2 assists, and 4 points as a junior in the Fall of 2021. In his defense, Hughes logged more minutes than any player on Stanford's soccer team in the Fall of 2021 including Bouda and that's high praise towards Hughes.
    
    
    
    Keegan Hughes had 4 goals, 1 assist, 9 points, and 9 shutouts with Stanford in 2022. Keegan Hughes can play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back in either center back role for an MLS team. He's also a team captain on Stanford with over 1,200 minutes logged in all four seasons with Stanford. I have a first round grade on Keegan Hughes and so does Travis Clark of Top Drawer Soccer. He's a good fit for the Los Angeles Galaxy here.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Daniel Munie, D, Indiana
    
    
    
    
24. F.C. Dallas: Knut Ahlander, M, SMU
    
    
    F.C. Dallas re-signed Marco Farfan at left back by giving him a three year extension with an option for a fourth year. Sebastien Ibeagha fills the void at center back for F.C. Dallas that Walker Zimmerman left after he left the team to go to Nashville S.C. in the 2019 Expansion Draft. For fans looking forward to Sebastian Ibeagha and Matt Hedges, Hedges signed with Toronto F.C., which means Lucas Bartlett, the 2022 first round pick on F.C. Dallas may play at center back next season with Sebastian Ibeagha. Tsiki Ntasbeleng started at right back after being drafted twenty eighth overall in the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    F.C. Dallas has the goaltending and the backline to compete right now. Jesus Ferrera at striker and Paul Arriola at right wing. Isaiah Parker the third pick in the 2022 MLS Super Draft should be in the MLS as a left winger next season. That leaves attacking midfielder as the void on offense.
    
    
    
    F.C. Dallas has hinted that they will draft the best available player rather than draft for need. This teams biggest need is at attacking midfielder, and F.C. Dallas can draft a local at that position here, who will instantly become a fan favorite here.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 160 lb Knut Ahlander is a natural 10 at attacking midfielder. Knut Ahlander had 7 goals, 13 assists, and 27 points in 2019. He had 7 assists in 2021. Knut Ahlander had 12 goals, 5 assists, and 29 points in 2022.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Gabriel Alves, D, Marshall
    
    
25. Real Salt Lake: Russell Shealy, G, Syracuse
    
    
    Real Salt Lake has needs at secondary striker next to Cordova, left winger after failing to replace Albert Rusnak, and goalie with both the starter plus the backup goalie having expiring contracts. These are all positions that Real Salt Lake could target with their two first round picks at sixteen and twenty five which they just got today for Aaron Herrera.
    
    
    
    I originally had Syracuse goalie Russell Shealy going sixteenth overall. With Real Salt Lake acquiring CF Montreal's 2023 first round pick, I changed things slightly giving Real Salt Lake my final Generation Adidas player Hamady Diop a Clemson center back who will be groomed to succeed Marcelo Silva who will be 34 before April of 2023. Meanwhile Russell Shealy looks like he could be an older version of Alex Bono.
    
    
    
    Real Salt Lake may have UCLA left back Tommy Silva secured to a homegrown contract and he could succeed Bryan Oviedo the current left back on Real Salt Lake while Andrew Brody and Jasper Loeffelsend will remain a strong right back tandem at the 2. Having those fullbacks with Silva and Glad at center back for the next two seasons gives you short-term stability and if Hamady Diop develops into the successor for Marcelo Silva, this back line will have long-term stability. That's huge because if Real Salt Lake drafts the right center back at sixteen, then you can draft your goalie at 25 and that may be Real Salt Lake's biggest need with both their starting goalie and backup goalie set to be Free Agents following the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    Drafting a goalie makes the most sense here since Real Salt Lake has a backline that got them to the 2021 Western Conference Finals while the team continues to reload at fullback. Duke goalie Eliot Hamill went undrafted in the 2022 MLS Super Draft meaning he's not eligible for the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Syracuse goalie Russell Shealy is eligible for the 2023 MLS Super Draft and was the next best goalie in the ACC outside of Eliot Hamill.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 223 lb Russell Shealy is the best goalie who can play the 1 in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Russell Shealy was the starting goalie on the Cartersville High School soccer team in Georgia while also playing for the Atlanta United F.C. Academy Team. Shealy went to the same High School as Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence graduating a grade ahead of Trevor Lawrence.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy started out as the backup goalie at Maryland to Dayne St. Clair. Dayne St. Clair got a Generation Adidas offer on Maryland's 2018 team that won the 2018 College Cup. Russell Shealy redshirted that year learning under Dayne St. Clair. After Maryland made the decision to bench Russell Shealy as a freshman redshirt in 2019, he transferred to Syracuse.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy started 24 games at goalie for Syracuse in 2022, played 2,220 minutes, recorded 72 saves, posted a career low 0.73 goals against average, an .800 save percentage, and recorded 10 shutouts for Syracuse in 2022. Russell Shealy went 17-2-5 as the starting goalie for the 2022 College Cup Champions playing every single minute.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy is a two time College Cup Champion which may intrigue a team to take him in the first round despite his age. He was the backup goalie on Maryland's 2018 College Cup team and the starting goalie on Syracuse's 2022 College Cup team. Real Salt Lake loses their starting and backup goalie to Free Agency so drafting Russell Shealy at sixteen is a possibility.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Malcolm Johnston, M, Maryland
    
    
    
    
26. New York City F.C.: Andreas Ueland, D, Virginia
    
    
    New York City F.C. won an MLS Cup in 2021 without drafting any defenders from 2015 as an expansion team to 2021 in the first round of the MLS Super Draft which is kind of amazing. Their academy teams won back-to-back Championships in 2019 and 2020 as some of those Academy players will arrive on New York City F.C. in 2022 before the 2022 MLS Playoffs or 2023 next season. New York City F.C. needs upgrades at center back and right back and New York City F.C. has one International roster slot avaialble. Andreas Ueland is a perfect candidate here in the wake of David Garcia not being on the 2023 MLS Draft list.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 190 lb Andreas Ueland had 2 goals, 4 poitns, and has helped Virginia record 8 shutouts in 2022. Ueland is one of the best center backs in College Soccer when it comes to taking up space and defending effectively. Andreas Ueland won the 2022 ACC Defensive Player Of The Year Award.
    
    
    
    Andreas Ueland can play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. He can get too handsy sometimes, but when he plays clean he's one of the most reliable center backs in College Soccer.
    
    
    Previous Pick: David Garcia, D, Florida International
    
    
27. Austin FC: Holden Trent, G, High Point
    
    
    Austin F.C. has addressed all of their needs. They got quality starters everywhere this season in 2022 and have pulled a complete 180 in year two after being one of the worst expansion teams in 2021. This team brought back all 11 starters, added Sofianne Djefall and Gyasi Zardes. Austin FC let their backup and third string goalies walk, so getting a backup to Brad Stuver who won MLS Defensive Player Of The Year in 2022 would be huge here.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 165 lb Holden Trent is a natural 1 at goalie. Holden Trent is now 10-5-5 on the year after leading High Point to a Big South Tournament Championship. Holden Trent had 58 saves, a 1.14 goals against average, a .707 save percentage, and 8 shutouts with High Point in 2022. Holden Trent won Big South Goalie Of The Year for the second year in a row as he's won the award twice now in 2021 and 2022. Holden Trent is competing at the 2022 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    
    
28. Philadelphia Union: Ryan Becher, M, UMBC
    
    
    Philadelphia could have as many as ten of their starters back in 2023. Many are expecting backup left back Matt Real to take over for starting left back Kai Wagner if he leaves. Philadelphia Union starting right back Olivier Mbazio is the lone unrestricted Free Agent. Philadelphia has Indiana right back Nyk Sessock as a homegrown player that the team can sign meaning Philadelphia can draft the best player on their board rather then draft for need. Philadelphia can also move this pick for Allocation Money like they've done in years past while continuing to rely on their Academy. Nyk Sessock wasn't on the final MLS Draft list meaning there's a good chance the Philadelphia Union give Indiana's starting right back a homegrown deal.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia actually keeps this first round pick and drafts a player since one of their former Academy players that the team didn't sign prior to the 2023 MLS Super Draft fell to this pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 190 lb Ryan Becher is the cousin of Vancouver Whitecaps 2022 first round pick Ryan Becher. Ryan Becher was the only player in College Soccer with at least 10 goals and 10 assists in 2022 which is something his cousin Simon Becher did the year before in 2021. Ryan Becher is also great at tackling players and stealing the ball from opponents. I'd argue Ryan Becher is a better defender than Simon Becher, but he's not as fast or explosive as Simon despite being the fastest player on UMBC during team sprints.
    
    
    
    Ryan Becher had 13 goals, 10 assists, and 36 points in 2022. Ryan Becher showed the versatility to play the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, and the 10 at attacking midfielder.
    
    
    
    Philadelphia runs a 4-3-1-2 formation with four defensemen, three midfielders including two wingers, a defensive midfielder, an attacking midfielder, and two strikers. Ryan Becher would be a depth piece for the Philadelphia Union at striker, attacking midfielder, and defensive midfielder in the MLS.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Charlie Sharp, F, Western Michigan
    
    
29. Vancouver Whitecaps: Nick Richardson, D, Maryland
    
    
    Vancouver owns this 2023 first round pick from LAFC due to a trade the two teams made in 2020 where LAFC traded this pick away where Vancouver gave LAFC an extra International roster spot. Vancouver uses this pick to get a right back for depth after losing their backup right back to St. Louis City S.C. Vancouver has Tristan Blackmon starting at right back, but needs depth behind him at the position with their backup now on St. Louis City SC.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 160 lb Nick Richardson also known as Nicholas Richardson had 3 goals, 8 assists, 14 points, and helped Maryland record 4 shutouts in 2022. He's good offensively, but a project defensively. Luckily for Nick Richardson, he can start out as the backup right back to Tristan Blackmon replacing backup right back Jake Nerwinski at the 2.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Ethan Conley, D, UNC Greensboro