MLS has announced that its third annual player combine will run from Tuesday, Jan. 27 through Sat. Jan. 31 in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., as more than 70 players will try to earn an MLS roster spot. The combine will include players from the A-League, USISL, NPSL and international ranks and will be followed by the MLS College and Supplemental Drafts on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1. The two drafts will again consist of three rounds each. The first round of the College Draft will be held on Jan. 31, with the final two rounds taking place on Feb. 1. All three rounds of the Supplemental Draft will be conducted on Feb. 1. The College Draft is open to all players who have completed their eligibility or are underclassmen who petitioned the league to be placed in the draft. The Supplemental Draft will consist of all players at the MLS combine, along with a select group of former MLS players. The Umbro Select All-Star Classic, which showcases some of the best players in men’s and women’s college soccer, will be held in conjunction with the combine. Prior to the Umbro Classic, college players will have the opportunity to compete against players from the MLS combine on Jan. 29 and 30 at Nova Southeastern University, the site of all MLS combine action. The following is the schedule for the 1998 MLS combine:
| Date | Time | Event |
| Tues. Jan. 27 | 7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. | Players arrive |
| Wed. Jan. 28 | 2:00 p.m.-3:30 p.m. | Combine I vs. Combine II |
| Thurs. Jan. 29 | 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Combine I vs. USISL Select |
| Thurs. Jan. 29 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Combine II vs. College All-Stars |
| Fri. Jan. 30 | 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. | Combine I vs. College All-Stars |
| Fri. Jan. 30 | 11:00 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Combine II vs. USISL Select |
| Sat. Jan. 31 | 10:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m. | Combine I vs. Combine II |
| Sat. Jan. 31 | 8:00 p.m. | Umbro Select All-Star Classic (Lockhart Stadium) |
| Sun. Feb. 1 | 9:00 a.m. | College Draft Rounds 2, 3; Supplemental Draft |