Here are the results of the first round of the 1998 MLS Collegiate Draft: Note: The MetroStars traded defender Brian Bliss to Kansas City for the No. 8 pick in the college draft.. New York/New Jersey also dealt Braeden Cloutier to San Jose for the No. 15 pick in the college draft (the third pick of the second round).
| Pick/Team | Selection | Position | College |
| 1. Miami Fusion | Leo Cullen | Defender | Maryland |
| 2. Chicago Fire | Rich Kotschau | Defender | George Mason |
| 3. San Jose Clash | Ben Parry | Defender | UNC Charlotte |
| 4. Kansas City Wizards (from MetroStars) | Chris Klein | Midfielder | Indiana |
| 5. New England Revolution | Johnny Torres | Midfielder | Creighton |
| 6. Los Angeles Galaxy | Clint Mathis | Midfielder | South Carolina |
| 7. Tampa Bay Mutiny | Josh Keller | Midfielder | UCLA |
| 8. MetroStars (from Kansas City) | Mike Petke | Defender | So. Connecticut |
| 9. Columbus Crew | Jeff Cunningham | Forward | South Florida |
| 10. Dallas Burn | Matt Jordan | Goalkeeper | Clemson |
| 11. Colorado Rapids | Tyrone Marshall | Forward | Florida International |
| 12. San Jose Clash (from D.C. United) | Wade Barrett | Midfielder | William & Mary |