Americans at home: 2019 MLS Draft day one

The MLS Super Draft kicked off with a few notable young Americans being drafted into the top domestic league. FC Cincinnati made headlines by stockpiling ten picks in the weeks leading up to the draft. It seemed to be an odd strategy for roster building as the draft has yielded fewer and fewer impact players in MLS. Despite building what looks like a USL roster but with more money, FCC forged ahead in the search for this year’s Julian Gressel or Mo Adams.

The expansion side picked Frankie Amaya with the first overall selection. The UCLA and US U-20 midfielder was joined by defender Tommy McCabe from Notre Dame and the U-17 residency program, grabbed with the 29th pick.

U-20 winger Griffen Dorsey was selected by Toronto FC 6th overall.

FC Dallas took John Nelson, a fullback who represented the US U-17 and U-20 sides from the University of North Carolina with the 10th pick.

Goalkeeper Luis Barraza and US Development Academy product joins NYCFC from Marquette after being taken 12th overall.

Another notable name was Marcello Borges who was taken in the second round by the Colorado Rapids. The U-17 and U-20 defender joins a rebuilding Rapids squad after being a regular starter for the Michigan Wolverines.

Other players drafted include Air Force midfielder Tucker Bone going to the Seattle Sounders picked 20th and defender Rece Buckmaster going to the NY Red Bulls with the 32nd pick.

The full draft list can be found here. MLS will wrap up the two day affair on Monday, January 14th with two more rounds of thrilling picks.