Teams may adopt several different draft strategies
This year’s new draft format brought forth an interesting paradox when compared to previous years – harder to predict but easier to prepare for. Most MLS coaches and general managers seem to favor the integrated draft, in which college, minor league and Project-40 players are all eligible in all six rounds. But with such a large pool to choose from and team needs being so diverse, those with first-round picks are finding it harder than ever to map out the probable draft order. The flip side, however, is that teams picking in the latter half of the first round or early in the second round have better odds in finding one of their favorites still available. “This may be the most important draft since the inaugural one,” Dallas coach Dave Dir said. “It’s a big change, especially in this first year. There are a lot of unknowns.” One of the unknowns is the status of young foreign players. U.S. Soccer is set to discuss the matter Feb. 12, but entering the draft Feb. 6 in Fort Lauderdale, MLS must hope that some new labels are established. Coaches are working under the assumption that “youth internationals” under the age of 23 will not count against their roster, salary cap or as one of their four senior internationals. “Transitional internationals” would be players age 23 or 24 and would count on the roster and salary cap but not as senior internationals, who are 25 and up. Even if those two distinctions are approved, however, they will apply only to a maximum of 12 players league-wide in 2000. Green-card holders will count as domestic players in accordance with federal law, so some teams, most notably Kansas City, may be able to draft foreign-born players – if they can afford them. And there are more variables. The last two weeks before the draft seemed destined to include some additional Project-40 signings.
Tahuichi and Caribbean products eligible
Two young players from Bolivia’s Tahuichi Academy and two or three Caribbean players signed as part of an agreement with the Caribbean Football Association will be available. Former Galaxy midfielder Martin Machon re-signed with MLS and is eligible to be drafted. A-League players must sign an MLS contract before being drafted. Many of the top A-League players are already earning more than MLS can offer them to be depth players, so they will not enter the draft. Opinions are mixed on how many A-League players will be drafted, but the general consensus is that the first round will feature primarily college and Project-40 picks. “Soccer throughout the country has improved in the past few years and the A-League is much better than it was,” Los Angeles coach Sigi Schmid said. “There are players who have toiled for two or three years there who may be ready for MLS.” Schmid noted that the integrated format may cause some confusion for the public, since drafts in other sports consist almost entirely of college players, but he said it is good for the teams. “It allows people to assemble their teams however they want,” Schmid said. “They can go heavy into Project-40 or go for more experienced players. Each team can draw its own emphasis.” The uncertainty swirling around this draft has kept people on the scouting path and away from the bargaining table, according to D.C. United general manager Kevin Payne. “I think one reason you haven’t seen many trades this offseason is that people are still trying to get their arms around this draft,” Payne said. “But I think you will see a lot of deals on draft day.”
by Soccer America associate editor Will Kuhns
