With the Montreal Impact set to pick third in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft (college players), on Thursday in Philadelphia, here is a look back at players selected in the third spot since the conception of the MLS SuperDraft in its current form in 2000.
Of course, a third round selection is not a sure bet, but it does give the Impact a chance to acquire a player with lots of potential for the future.
Here’s Impact Media Top 5:
5 - Chad Barrett – 2005
Although Barrett might not be the sexiest name on our top 5 list, he has proven to be an extremely serviceable player over his 11-year career following his selection by the Chicago Fire. Used mostly off the bench, Barrett has consistently averaged over 20 games per season and has scored over 50 goals in his career. In the 2014 campaign with the Seattle Sounders, the forward scored seven goals in 26 games played.
4 – Perry Kitchen – 2011
D.C. United made Kitchen their top pick in the draft in 2011 and the midfielder has not disappointed, having played over 30 games over his first four seasons as a pro. In 2014, he reached personal milestones, scoring five times for the black and red, and earning a call up with the U.S. men’s national team camp currently in session.
3 – Kelyn Rowe – 2012
An injury kept Rowe under 30 games played (27) for the first time since the New England Revolution drafted him in 2012 and Rowe has quickly established himself as one of the most dynamic young attacking midfielders in MLS, tallying 15 goals and 18 assists in three season in MLS.
2 – Brad Davis – 2002
Although not always on point with the choice of jersey design throughout its existence, the New York/New Jersey MetroStars hit the nail on the head when they drafted Brad Davis third overall in 2002. The 33-year-old is a current member of the U.S. national team, having represented his country at this past FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The precision passing winger has played 338 games over his career, scoring 51 goals and 112 assists, and surpassed the 25,000 minutes played plateau.
1 – Omar Gonzalez – 2009
The LA Galaxy hit a home run with its selection in the 2009 SuperDraft with centre back Omar Gonzalez. The 2009 MLS Rookie of the Year is a physical force at the heart of LA’s defence, winning the MLS Defender of the Year in 2010 and 2011, and has since become a fixture on Jurgen Klinsmann’s U.S. national team, having worn the blue, white and red in last year’s World Cup.
