Over the years, the Supplemental Draft has consistently produced a fair share of MLS starters. MLSsoccer.com writers Simon Borg and Travis Clark identify three players who they expect could be revelations in the future.
SIMON BORG: Ryan Thomas, Corey Attaway, Curtis Ushedo
Ryan Thomas, Los Angeles Galaxy (16th overall): Multiple college coaches expressed their surprise that Thomas was not at the Player Combine. But it was not because MLS teams did not know about him. The scouting report on the former US youth national team player is that he’s a speedy, athletic left back who can defend, attack and deliver a good cross. He could very well be pushing Todd Dunivant for minutes by the time 2011 is done.
Corey Attaway, Seattle Sounders (29th overall): The converted right back and UC Irvine captain performed well enough at the Seattle Sounders combine in Las Vegas to earn the nod from head coach Sigi Schmid. He’s said to be a solid defender with good feet who can also contribute in attack. The question surrounding Attaway is whether he has the pace to play at outside back. If he doesn’t, he may work out at right midfield or even center back.
Curtis Ushedo, Chivas USA (40th overall): The 6-foot-4 central defender (pictured above) is the Canadian version of Oguchi Onyewu. He combines size, speed and a calm about the way he goes about his business. The Toronto native and Canadian Olympic team prospect could leave Vancouver and Toronto FC red in the face if he realizes his pro potential with Chivas USA under his new defensive tutor, Robin Fraser. [WATCH: Ushedo highlights]
[inline_node:326069]TRAVIS CLARK: Amani Walker, Philip Bannister, Ernesto Carranza
Amani Walker, Chicago Fire (9th overall): While Walker doesn't possess blazing speed, he has the physical characteristics needed to succeed in MLS. With the Fire depleted in so many areas of the field, he could have success earlier than expected. [WATCH: Walker highlights]
Ernesto Carranza, Chivas USA (22th overall): The midfielder from Sacramento State didn't have a great Combine, and his small school background caused him to slip. However, with Chivas in transition, he might be able to step in and find minutes off the bench. [WATCH: Carranza highlights]
Philip Bannister, Colorado Rapids (36th overall): Coach Gary Smith will have to give Bannister time to recover from a knee injury that shortened his 2010 season, but a senior year with 10 goals in nine games indicates what he is capable of when healthy.
