MLSsoccer.com continues its team-by-team preview of the 2013 SuperDraft with a look at what could be in store for perennial Western Conference powerhouse Seattle Sounders.
Few teams do as good a job of holding onto their draft picks as Sigi Schmid’s Sounders. Steve Zakuani, David Estrada, Andy Rose, Servando Carrasco and a handful of others who’ve come to CenturyLink Field since 2009 via the draft have all found permanent homes.
Sigi will need to find at least one more guy from this year’s crop as well, because Seattle are suddenly in need of some answers. Jeff Parke is gone, in Philadelphia now, while Fredy Montero is headed back to Colombia. Obviously a new DP is coming in for Montero, but young, inexpensive help is also needed.
Seattle Sounders SuperDraft Picks: #16 (1st Rd), #35 (2nd Rd)
Seattle Sounders Depth Chart (25 players):
Goalkeepers (3): Michael Gspurning, Marcus Hahnemann, Josh Ford
Right Back (2): Adam Johansson, DeAndre Yedlin
Center Back (5): Jhon Kennedy Hurtado, Patrick Ianni, Zach Scott, Daniel Steres, Andrew Duran
Left Back (2): Marc Burch, Leo González
Right Midfielder (2): Mauro Rosales, Alex Caskey
Defensive Midfielders (2): Osvaldo Alonso, Servando Carrasco
Central Midfielders (3): Christian Tiffert, Brad Evans, Andy Rose
Left Midfielder (2): Steve Zakuani, Mario Martínez
Forwards (4): Eddie Johnson, David Estrada, Sammy Ochoa, Babayele Sodade
Internationals slots (3 of 8 remaining): Gspurning, Johansson, Martínez, Rose, Tiffert
Seattle Sounders SuperDraft Priorities
Look, they’re going to use what cap space they have to bring in a new DP, and quite possibly switch to a 4-2-3-1. That means we shouldn’t expect them to spend draft picks on attackers, even though they’re thin (on paper) at forward.
1. Dominant Central Defense:Hurtado is the only proven everyday central defender on the roster. Ianni could get there, but is injury prone. Scott is a year older, and maybe more suited to be a sub. Steres and Duran are unproven. So if Sigi can find a starter with that first round pick, he’ll be very, very happy.
Wish List (Central Defense):Dylan Tucker-Gangnes (Washington), Eric Schoenle (West Virginia), Tommy Muller (Georgetown)
2. The Next Ozzie: Every year you can make a compelling case for Osvaldo Alonso as league MVP. Now that he’s got his US citizenship, don’t be surprised if the Sounder have to hold off some overseas suitors for league’s best destroyer. With that in mind, finding another body for that position probably isn’t a bad idea.
Wish List (D-Mid):Jossimar Sanchez (UConn), Jacob Barron (Penn St.)
3. The Right Man:Eddie Johnson made his living on crosses from the right side in 2012, and was significantly less effective when Rosales, Johansson or both were out hurt. Yeah, they both have backups on the roster, but bringing in another skilled player for that spot could pay dividends.
Wish List (Right Backs/Midfielders):Michael Bustamante (Boston University), Ben Fisk (Washington)
