How NYCFC Might Approach Draft Day
On the heels of his SuperDraft preview for American Soccer Analysis, Paul Harvey takes a closer look at NYCFC's option for draft day.
The MLS SuperDraft is this Thursday, December 18. I’ve covered the broader draft pool in depth at American Soccer Analysis, but here the focus shifts to one question: what does this draft look like from a New York City FC perspective?
By the numbers, NYCFC drafts fairly well. Several MLS teams would be pleased to have discovered players like Kevin O’Toole or Malachi Jones in the draft. Of course, the most notable draft pick in club history, Jack Harrison, went on to achieve success in the Premier League. Even players who didn’t break into the first team, such as MD Myers and Taylor Calheira, have excelled at lower levels and could still find their way into MLS.
The NYCFC II team roster underwent a significant cleanout, with long-term midfielder Piero Elias and homegrown talent Prince Amponsah departing, along with several other players who had seen some playing time. Some players, such as Seymour Reid, are likely to remain fixtures in the first team and may not receive reserve minutes.
Regardless of how you look at it, the cupboard is pretty bare. However, reinforcements may already be underway. Two forwards selected last year, Arnau Farnos and AJ Smith, will conclude their eligibility and be ready to join the team. Additionally, there are strong indicators that Cooper Flax from Wake Forest will sign a homegrown contract; he has completed four years in college and is not eligible for the draft. Flax was a versatile midfielder for the Demon Deacons and could fill the role vacated by Piero Elias.
Some key positions lack space for a draftee. NYCFC is set at goalkeeper, with three reserves and three first-team keepers already under contract. The winger position is also secure, as there are no openings on the first team and two clear starters in the reserves. Additionally, several promising academy players are at right back and defensive midfielder, making it impractical to bring in a new player in those positions.
This leaves a few critical areas for improvement. The left back position is the most pressing issue, as Chris Tiao, the only player with any playing time, has had his contract expire. Even if he re-signs, he did not meet the necessary standard. The left centerback position is similarly vacant since Prince Amponsah’s first-team contract option was declined. While Amponsah could still re-sign with the second team, much like Kwaku Owusu did, if his future does not lie with the first team, it may be time to move on. Central midfield also requires reinforcement, even if Flax signs, as the first team desperately needs quality depth there. Therefore, here are some players who could be good fits and might be available when NYCFC makes its selections:
Left Back:
Luc Lavielle, Campbell
Dren Dobruna, Dayton (A former NYCFC academy player)
Ashton Kamdem, Akron
Left Centerback:
Joe McDaid, Columbia
Jackson Gilman, Pittsburgh
Calle Mollerbeg, UC San Bernardino
Central Midfield:
Zack Lillington, UC Davis
Gilberto Rivera, San Jose State
Jack Clarkson, UNC Wilmington
The actual draftees could come from anywhere, as there are many eligible players, each with their own strengths. NYCFC tends to favor younger players, who maintain their eligibility and can return to college. While it is difficult to predict the team’s direction, this would be a solid starting point.
These names represent only a small slice of a much larger draft class. A complete breakdown of the SuperDraft pool and the trends shaping this year’s draft can be found at American Soccer Analysis. ❧
Image: Thomas Eakins, Portrait of Dr. Samuel D. Gross