Regardless of the sport, drafts are hard to predict. For every Lebron James, there is a Michael Olowokandi. For every Peyton Manning, there is a JaMarcus Russell. And for every Bryce Harper, there is a Brien Taylor.
The same goes for Major League Soccer’s SuperDraft. With limited exposure on television, scouting college soccer is not the same as scouting college football or basketball, where the majority of games are broadcast on television every week.
Looking ahead to this year's MLS SuperDraft, Sporting Kansas City holds the No. 11 pick in the first, third and fourth round. And while hindsight is always 20-20, the history of players selected in the 11th spot bodes well for Sporting KC’s technical staff.
2014: New England Revolution select Patrick Mullins
Despite winning back-to-back Hermann Trophy awards, Mullins was not projected to be one of the first picks in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. That was fine with the Revolution, who selected Mullins with the No. 11 pick. The University of Maryland product scored four goals in his rookie campaign and recorded an assist in the 2014 MLS Cup Final against the LA Galaxy. Mullins was left unprotected in the Expansion Draft and scored six goals with four assists in New York City FC's inaugural season.
2013: Colorado Rapids select Dillon Powers
After a successful career at Notre Dame, the Colorado Rapids were thrilled that Powers fell to them with the No. 11 pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Powers had five goals and six assists in 2013 and beat out teammate Deshorn Brown for the League's Rookie of the Year award. He's tallied 13 goals and 21 assists in three seasons with Colorado.
2012: FC Dallas selects Matt Hedges
A polished center back is a prized commodity coming out of the college game. So it's no surprise that Matt Hedges made an immediate impact for FC Dallas after finishing his University of North Carolina career as the ACC Defender of the Year. Since then, Hedges has scored 10 goals, was voted MLS Bext XI and was a finalist for 2015 MLS Defender of the Year. He also made his debut for the U.S. Men's National Team in a February 2015 friendly against Panama.
2011: Houston Dynamo selects Will Bruin
Since the Houston Dynamo drafted Will Bruin No. 11 in the 2011 SuperDraft, the St. Louis native has proven to be among the most consistent goalscorers in Major League Soccer. Bruin has scored the fifth most goals in Major League Soccer over the past four seasons and earned a call-up to the U.S. Men's National Team for the 2013 January Camp.
2008: Sporting KC selects Roger Espinoza
Two World Cups, a Summer Olympics, two U.S. Open Cups and an FA Cup. Safe to say Roger Espinoza has had a successful professional soccer career. So it might come as a surprise to some that Peter Vermes was able to draft the tenacious midfielder with the No. 11 pick in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. After playing two years for English side Wigan Athletic, Espinoza returned to Kansas City last year and made 20 starts in all competitions before a left sesamoid fracture ended his 2015 season in August.
