The Union are certainly putting a major emphasis on this year’s MLS SuperDraft (Thursday, Noon), and not just because it’ll be hosted by the city of Philadelphia.

Brek Shea, a No. 2 pick of the
not-too-distant past. (AP)

So let’s look at some historical perspective. The connection between the No. 1 pick and the most successful career in a draft is tenuous at best. Only once has the No. 1 pick been MLS rookie of the year – it’s a name Union fans have a piqued interest in, Maurice Edu in 2007. On only one occasion has the No. 2 pick turned into the rookie of the year (Jay Heaps in 1999), and never has the No. 6 pick been crowned MLS’s top rookie. That doesn’t mean there’s hasn’t been quality available at both spots, especially for attack-minded players at No. 2.


The Union have never held the No. 2 pick; the only time they’ve ever picked sixth was in 2010, when they got Amobi Okugo.

Here’s a look at some notable recent picks at each position: 

Recent No. 2s 

2013: Carlos Alvarez, M, Chivas USA
2012: Darren Mattocks, F, Vancouver
2011: Darlington Nagbe, F, Portland
2010: Tony Tchani, M, New York
2009: Sam Cronin, M, Toronto
2008: Brek Shea, M, Dallas
2007: Bakary Soumare, D, Chicago
2006: Mehdi Ballouchy, M, Real Salt Lake
2005: Brad Guzan, M, Chivas USA
2004: Chad Marshall, D, Columbus
2003: Ricardo Clark, M, NY/NJ

Recent No. 6s

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