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Major League Soccer’s yearly selection of college players takes place on Thursday, January 21. Yes, The SuperDraft is today. You can watch at 1 PM CT on MLSsoccer.com. It’s been a wild MLS season, and we still aren’t sure what the 2021 season will look like but the draft goes on. The Dynamo currently hold the 3rd pick in Thursday’s first round, but there have been rumors about possibly trading the pick, especially after the Tim Parker trade. Even for the most die-hard of soccer followers and MLS fans, college soccer is relatively unknown, so let’s take a look at a few players who could be putting on orange jerseys this upcoming season. Players with (GA) are Generation adidas players, meaning their salaries do not count against the team’s budget.
M Daniel Pereira, Virginia Tech (GA)
A Caracas, Venezuela native, Pereira came to the United States in 2015. He made the ACC all-freshman team in 2019, when he had five goals and five assists while helping the Hokies make the Sweet 16 of the NCAA tournament. He was invited to last year’s MLS College Showcase in North Carolina but decided to stay in school another year. Pereira had a goal and an assist in a shortened season that saw Virginia Tech get up to 4th in the nation. MLSsoccer.com’s Matthew Doyle thinks Pereira would be a perfect fit in Houston.
D Ethan Bartlow, Washington (GA)
Bartlow signed his Generation adidas contract just this week, confirming his availability in this year’s draft. Most pundits believe the 20 year old won’t make it past FC Cincinnati with the 2nd pick. The Washington center back became the first Husky in program history to win the Pac-12 Defensive Player of the year and started all 38 games in his college career. The GA contract makes him a hot commodity so if he doesn’t go to Cincinnati, the Dynamo might come calling.
D Josh Bauer, New Hampshire
The New Hampshire defender is pro ready, as evidenced by his 3 appearances this summer for USL Championship side Birmingham Legion. Bauer has a full trophy case already winning numerous awards including being named a United Soccer Coaches First Team All-American in his senior season and a 2019 MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist.
D Nabi Kibunguchy, UC Davis
The 6 foot 3 inch from Elk Grove, California was a First Team All Big West selection in 2019 for the Aggies. UC Davis’ 0.63 goals allowed per game was the fifth lowest in the nation in the 2019 NCAA season. If the Dynamo decide to take a center back, they will have options, and the physical Kibunguchy could fit in well mentoring behind Maynor Figueroa and Parker.
F Calvin Harris, Wake Forest (GA)
No, not the DJ Calvin Harris. This 6 foot Harris played left wing early in his college career before moving to striker. Some have said Harris has the highest ceiling in the draft, even higher than consensus number 1 pick Phillip Mayaka. If the Dynamo are interested in a “project” for the future, to learn behind their stable of attackers already on the roster, Harris could be an interesting pick.