The New England Revolution will enter the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, which is being held on Thursday, January 17th, tied with the Montreal Impact for the most picks. Beyond having their 4th and 23rd overall picks which were gained from finishing 16th in the league, the Revolution also hold the 21st and 36th after trading Sharlie Joseph to Chivas USA and Fred to DC United.
When asked during a January 9th conference call about his goals for the draft, Head Coach Jay Heaps stated, “Last year was certainly best player available and this year is, I think, going to be more specific to a need.”
With this in mind, I have compiled a list of players that might be attractive to Heaps and company. When putting together this list, I had the following considerations:
Walker Zimmerman (Furman, D, GA) and Andrew Farrell (Louisville, D, GA) are being predicted as top three draftees. Even if one or both of these players drop to number four, the Revs may still pass because the team’s biggest needs are on the outside of the defense and up top. Still, the temptation may be too much to avoid because both players had successful collegiate careers and both carry the label of Generation Adidas (GA).
The Revs currently have only one open International Slot (SI) so it is unlikely that they draft a foreigner. If the Revs choose to make a trade for an SI (by giving up draft picks or allocation money?), Jason Johnson (Virginia Commonwealth, F, GA) and Deshorn Brown (Central Florida, F, GA) become interesting prospects. Johnson and Brown both have the speed that the team would value while Saer Sene recovers.
While there are a number of tempting strikers, it is important to note that there have been many college stars that have had a hard time transitioning to MLS. In 2010, the Revolution drafted forward Zack Schilawski from Wake Forest. Despite scoring 40 goals in 99 college games, the North Carolina native only scored 6 times in 50 games with the Revs. Understanding this, Heaps may be interested in using the draft to fill one of the team’s other needs: outside defenders.
With these considerations in mind, these are the players that the Revs likely have their eyes on during the MLS Combine.
1. Eriq Zavaleta, Indiana, F/D, Generation Adidas
Biography: Eriq Zavaleta was a late addition to the draft having signed a GA contact on January 7th. The former Indiana Hoosier proved to be a scoring threat as he tallied 10 goals as a freshman while collecting another 18 during his sophomore year (.75 goals per game). Zavaleta helped Indiana capture the College Cup in 2012 by registering the assist on the game-winning goal against Georgetown. He also gained personal recognition during his last season as a college athlete by being named a College Soccer News first-team All-American and the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.
Why He’s Attractive to the Revs: Zavaleta’s status as a GA will certainly be considered because it means that he won’t count against the cap. It also means that he is rated highly by coaches and scouts. While GA players don’t always reach their full potential, like former Revs defender Rob Valentino, there have been a number of players that become important contributors, like defender Kevin Alston and midfielder Kelyn Rowe.
Heaps will also take a look at Zavaleta because of his versatility. The 6-1 Indiana native played forward for his two collegiate years but many MLS coaches see Zavaleta as a future center back. As a forward, the Indiana native could be a hold-up man in the vein of Connor Casey while his vision and leadership skills could see him turn into an Omar Gonzalez-type defender. In his short time as coach, Heaps has shown that he values open-minded players that are willing to be molded. Chris Tierney, Stephen McCarthy and Ryan Guy have been important cogs in Heaps’ team as they are capable of playing a number of positions. Heaps may jump on the chance to add a player that can be shaped into his liking.
Zavaleta’s pedigree adds a final incentive for Heaps. Zavaleta is the son of Carlos Zavaleta, who played on the El Salvador national team, and the nephew of Greg Vanney, who played in MLS and on the US national team. Having family that played at such high levels will allow Zavaleta to gain positive support during hard times.
2. Ryan Finley, Notre Dame, F
Biography: Ryan Finley exits Notre Dame as a highly touted forward that has already signed with Major League Soccer. The New Jersey native has gained the attention of many scouts after the 2012 season in which he was ranked second nationally in goals (21) and points (46). These numbers have made him the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year and a nominee for the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy. The 6’ forward proved to be a big asset to the Fighting Irish as he had six multiple-goal games and six game winning goals.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: Finley’s ability to score will be attractive to Heaps and company. The Revs only scored 39 goals in 2012 which was the 5th fewest in MLS. Finley could help New England’s scoring woes as he scored at a rate of .95 goals per game in 2012. These goals came in a variety of ways, including one-timers, headers and penalty kicks, which make him a true scoring threat.
Finley’s stock increases when you consider that the former Notre Dame standout often came off the bench. During the 2012 season, he only played the full 90 once. Because of this, Finley learned to use his time on the field valuably which makes him a perfect option to come on late in the game. Heaps has dedicated himself to attack-minded soccer and second-year coach would salivate over the possibility of unleashing Finley in the 70th minute.
While not something Heaps would likely consider when drafting, Finley has earned himself a reputation for going down easy. Diving has a negative connation in soccer but it could be very valuable skill to the Revolution. Dimitry Imbongo’s biggest contribution to the 2012 Revs was his ability to draw free kicks in advantageous positions. Finley could do the same without taking up an international spot.
3. Chris Thomas, Elon, F
Biography: Chris Thomas’ Alma Matar, Elon, doesn’t come with the same prestige as other player’s but his numbers make him one of the best scorers in the draft. Thomas led the nation in goals (23) and total points (51) in 2012 while also earning himself the title of Southern Conference Player of the Year and Herman Trophy Semifinalist.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: Thomas has attributes that are similar to Finlay with the main difference being that Thomas has numbers on his side. The Georgia native showed that he is comfortable in front of the net by scoring 1.06 goals per game and earning 2.32 points per game. These numbers make him the most deadly striker available in the SuperDraft. If the Revs want a goal scorer, they’d be foolish not to consider the former Elon man.
While Finley and Thomas have similarities, it is important to note that Thomas played a much more active role in his team’s success. Elon basically lived and died by the Georgia native as he started all 22 games while leading the team in shots, goals and points. Thomas’ goals are particularly impressive because his 23 were far and away leading the team (the next closest only had 6). Thomas’ experience at Elon will certainly be attractive to Heaps since the gaffer has shown a great interest in players that embody spirit and leadership.
Finlay will be one to keep an eye on since his college doesn’t typically produce professional athletes. As a result, Thomas will look to impress coaches both on and off the field at the Combine. Heaps isn’t likely to choose Finlay with the fourth pick but it is possible the Elon graduate falls to number 21.
4. Jimmy Nealis, Georgetown, D
Biography: Jimmy Nealis joins the draft class of 2013 after a successful four years at Georgetown. During his time in Washington, DC, Nealis was a NSCAA All-Region honoree and a two-time All-BIG EAST award winner. Over the course of four years, the New York native started 71-out-of-83 games while helping his school reach the College Cup Finals. Nealis is a left-sided defender that is highly regarded as one of the best in the draft.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: It’s hard to find a serviceable left back in MLS and Nealis is as skilled as they come. Chris Tierney is the incumbent left back for the Revolution but he is often criticized for being too slow. Selecting Nealis could allow Heaps to move Tierney back to the midfield where he would have less defensive responsibilities while still being allowed to utilize his crossing talents. If Heaps is not willing to give a rookie the starting position, Nealis could provide some much needed depth at left back. In 2012, AJ Soares and Kevin Alston were forced to play left back when it was ruled that Tyler Polak was not ready. Injuries can strike at any time during the season so it would be valuable to have Nealis on the bench.
Nealis sticks out in comparison to others defenders because of his offensive production. During his four years at Georgetown, Nealis had 15 assists to go along with two goals. While the goal production leaves something to be desired, there is only one defender that has more assists than him (Maryland’s Taylor Kemp has 16). The 6’ defender could provide some much needed width to the Revs. In 2012, Lee Nguyen and Kelyn Rowe, the most frequent outside midfielders, often cut towards the middle of the field. As a result, it was Tierney that provided the most width play. Nealis could provide similar service while also bringing more speed to the defense.
Heaps could be lured in by Nealis because of his leadership ability. The former Georgetown man’s composure and spirit helped him gain the captain’s armband. The Revolution is currently in disarray when it comes to the captaincy after trading Sharlie Joseph in 2012. While it would be too much to ask Nealis to come in and captain the side, picking up him up now would mean that Heaps is gaining a player that has leadership qualities and the respect of his peers.
5. Joe Franco, Cal State Northridge, D
Biography: Joe Franco enters the draft after four years at Cal State Northridge. Since 2009, Franco has been a stalwart in the Matadors’ lineup as a right back by appearing in 79-out-of-80 games. The California native’s final collegiate season got cut short when he suffered an ACL injury. Despite this, Franco was named Big West Defender of the Year, All-Big West First Team and NSCAA All-Far West Region Second Team. If Franco is able to successfully recover from his ACL injury, he could develop into one of the best right backs in the league.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: Depth is clearly needed at the right back position as the Revs only have one player that naturally plays there: Kevin Alston. While relatively healthy the past two seasons, Alston ended his 37-game consecutive appearance streak on April 5th when a hamstring injury prevented him from playing against FC Dallas. With Alston’s hamstring always being a question mark, Franco would join the club as an admirable backup in case of emergencies. When ready, Franco could take over the right back position which would allow Alston to move to the left side; a position that he played in college.
Heaps might see promise in Franco because of the similarities the former Cal State man has with Alston. Both players are not physically impressive with Franco being 5-9 and weighing 150 pounds. What is impressive about both of players, however, is their ability to stay composed and focused. Like Alston, Franco is a solid 1-v-1 defender that relies on his speed to get forward. In drafted, Franco would enjoy the opportunity to develop under a seasoned professional that has been called into national camps.
Franco’s biggest asset might be one that he was naturally born with. The California native is right footed which could help with the Revolution’s horrid width play. Being left footed, Alston has the tendency to drift towards the middle which makes the attack predictable. Franco has shown the ability to whip in crosses as he recorded 5 assists over the course of his college career. If he uses his speed in the right way, the former Matador could become a valuable player on the right flank.
(image courtesy of mlssoccer.com)
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