SOCCER
2023 MLS SuperDraft summary: Hamady Diop picked first overall | prospects, picks and trades
This year’s SuperDraft had three rounds, and each club had one selection available to them during each round, for a total of 88.
After gaining the first overall choice in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft from new club St. Louis City SC on Wednesday, Charlotte FC used that selection to choose Hamady Diop as the league’s top player.
On the day of the draft, three of the top four choices were traded, which marked the beginning of a day full of unexpected occurrences as clubs from throughout Major League Soccer sought ways to enhance their squads. The initial team was responsible for selecting just one player out of the first thirteen spots.
Those who did not choose early had the expectation that they could improve their roster by signing an experienced player or by adding general allocation money.
MLS trades and picks for the 2023 Draft
Charlotte FC’s first-ever draft choice was Ben Bender, and the midfielder had a breakout year for the club, contributing to three goals and six assists.
St. Louis City SC opted for a different tactic with the first pick, trading up to give Charlotte FC the first overall selection for the second year in a row.
On Wednesday, DC United sent the second pick to Orlando City SC in exchange for right back Ruan. As a result, Orlando will be getting Shakur Mohammed in the second round.
One of the 11 Generation Adidas signees, Joshua Bolma, was acquired by the New England Revolution in a trade-up deal of note.
Duncan McGuire was taken sixth overall, while Owen O’Malley was selected ninth from Creighton. Each of them contributed to the Blue Jays run to the national semifinals in the NCAA tournament last year; McGuire, in particular, scored 23 goals for the team that year.
The following are the most recent results from Wednesday’s draft, which consisted of three rounds.
Round 1
- 1. Charlotte FC: Hamady Diop, D, Clemson
- 2. Orlando City SC: Shakur Mohammed, F, Duke
- 3. Colorado Rapids: Moise Bombito, D, New Hampshire
- 4. New England Revolution: Joshua Bolma, M, Maryland
- 5. Vancouver Whitecaps: J.C. Ngando, M, UNC Greensboro
- 6. Orlando City SC: Duncan McGuire, F, Creighton
- 7. Real Salt Lake: Ilijah Paul, F, Washington
- 8. Sporting KC: Stephen Afrifa, F, FIU
- 9. St. Louis City FC: Owen O’Malley, M, Creighton
- 10. San Jose Earthquakes: Daniel Munie, D, Indiana
- 11. Nashville SC: Joey Skinner, D, Clemson
- 12. Charlotte FC: Patrick Agyemang, F, Rhode Island
- 13. Austin FC: CJ Fodrey, M, San Diego State
- 14. Columbus Crew: Maximilian Arfsten, F, San Jose Earthquakes II
- 15. Portland Timbers: Noel Caliskan, M, Loyola Marymount
- 16. Real Salt Lake: Bertin Jacquesson, F, Pittsburgh
- 17. Orlando City SC: Abdi Salim, D, Syracuse
- 18. Inter Miami CF: Cole Jensen, GK, Xavier
- 19. Minnesota United FC: Ryen Jiba, D, Union Omaha
- 20. Austin FC: Valentin Noel, M, Pittsburgh
- 21. New York Red Bulls: Elian Haddock, GK, Yale
- 22. FC Cincinnati: Joey Akpunonu, D, Bowling Green
- 23. LA Galaxy: Gino Vivi, F, Central Florida
- 24. FC Dallas: Herbert Endeley, F, Indiana
- 25. Real Salt Lake: Emeka Eneli, F, Cornell
All of these clubs still have time to add players via free agency and trades before the 2023 season, but the draft gives them a chance to get some long-term contributors.