MLSsoccer.com continues its team-by-team preview of the 2013 SuperDraft by looking at the areas US Open Cup champions Sporting Kansas City may be looking to upgrade with the No. 14 overall pick.
Sporting Kansas City arguably have one of the most complete, well-rounded January rosters in all of MLS with starters and ready backups at most every position. This despite a midfield reboot during the offseason.
The club will only add to what is already a deep talent pool with the players that are likely to be available at No. 14, SKC’s only pick of the 2013 SuperDraft.
Sporting Kansas City SuperDraft Picks: No. 14 (1st Rd)
Sporting Kansas City Depth Chart (27 players):
Goalkeepers (3): Jimmy Nielsen, Eric Kronberg, Jon Kempin
Right Backs (3): Chance Myers, Kevin Ellis, Kyle Miller
Center Backs (5): Matt Besler, Ike Opara, Aurelien Collin, Lawrence Olum, Yann Songo’o
Left Backs (2): Josh Gardner, Seth Sinovic
Right Wingers (2): Kei Kamara, Jacob Peterson
Central Midfielders (4): Peterson Joseph, Paulo Nagamura, Oriol Rosell, Michael Thomas
Attacking Midfielders (3): Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi, Soony Saad
Left Wingers (1): Bobby Convey
Forwards (4): Teal Bunbury, Claudio Bieler, Dom Dwyer, C.J. Sapong
Internationals slots (4 of 8 remaining): Rosell, Joseph, Bieler, Songo’o
Sporting Kansas City SuperDraft Priorities
Left Wing: A number of right-footed players have and still can fill in adequately when Convey is not around. But the team has to be looking for another lefty winger who can take the ball to the end line and deliver a decent cross.
Wish List (left wingers):Donnie Smith (UNC Charlotte), Ryan Clark (Monmouth), Blake Smith (New Mexico),Emery Welshman (Oregon State)
Attacking Midfielders: How long before Sporting Kansas City receive an offer they can’t refuse for Zusi? They need a back-up plan they can work to develop. But is this longer-term project a player you take at No. 14?
Wish List (attacking mids):Dillon Powers (Notre Dame), John Stertzer (Maryland), Kyle Bekker (Boston College)
Forward: What will the arrival of Bieler mean for Bunbury and Sapong and their chances to start at center forward? Will one of them be expendable for the right trade offer? Best to have someone waiting in the wings. And these names may still be there at No. 14.
Wish List (forwards):Devon Sandoval (New Mexico), Ryan Finley (Notre Dame)
