Tomorrow at 9 AM Pacific the 2011 MLS Superdraft will kick-off live on ESPN2. The cable network will air the first round of the draft, followed by rounds 2 & 3 on the MLS website. It will be a very important day for the Timbers organization. Having the #2 pick in the draft assures the club of getting a standout performer from the college ranks. The difficult part is selecting the player that has the most room to grow and become a star in our league.
Just for kicks you should check out who ESPN rates as the top 10 value picks in the history of the draft and the worst 10 picks. Pretty interesting.
Also there are some mock-drafts out there that are worth taking a look at. Ives Galarcep with Fox Soccer lays out his first round predictions. And the writers at MLSsoccer.com weigh in on the draft with their selections. The general consensus is that the Portland Timbers will either take Darlington Nagbe or Perry Kitchen, both from Akron. Also noteworthy is Portland holds the 20th and 22nd picks in the draft. This is where the real challenge lies. Will these picks turn into stand-out performers like late selections Brian Ching, Edson Buddle, and Shalrie Joseph? Or will they barely survive training camp and simply ride the pine in MLS? Only time will tell.
Be sure to watch the draft on ESPN2! Just over 2 months left until opening kick!
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