Sounders select Alex Roldan in Mock MLS Draft

A disadvantage to making MLS Cup is that the Seattle Sounders will draft second to last in each round of the upcoming MLS Superdraft. A disadvantage to expansion is that the Sounders’ second round pick is lower than where they drafted Mike Fucito in the 4th round back in 2009. A disadvantage to the expansion of Academies is that the draft is getting weaker.

For these reasons, and because the Sounders already have 9 out of 10 supplemental and reserve roster spots full (five of those with HGPs), Garth Lagerwey will probably look to draft talent that makes S2 better, and possibly contend for a roster spot in 2019.

Taking all of this into consideration when pretending to be Lagerwey for the SB Nation Soccer MLS Mock Draft meant taking two players with whom the club is quite familiar. In the first round that was Alex Roldan, Cristian’s brother and a Seattle University product. In the second, it was Paul Christensen.

22. Alex Roldan, Midfielder, Seattle University

A multi-dimensional midfielder who notched six goals and eight assists with the Redhawks in 2017, Alex Roldan has a rather well-known brother. The Sounders shouldn’t draft him because of that, but it is a cool benefit. They should get him because he has the potential to be a decent box-to-box midfielder and/or right back with a bit more seasoning.

Why this makes sense: The Sounders know Alex well. He’s been at practices as much as the NCAA allows. He plays for one of the Sounders analysts, who also happens to be a legendary local coach (Pete Fewing). He plays at a school that makes it rather easy for Lagerwey, Henderson and Schmid (who was the primary college scout prior to leaving for the Galaxy) to scout.

Why this is cool: Collecting Roldans is fun.

Why it doesn’t make sense: He may have to spend time learning how to play a different position, for all the reasons that people thought that Cristian couldn’t be a midfielder in MLS.

45. Paul Christensen, Goalkeeper, University of Portland

Christensen is a compact keeper who has to use good positioning and reactions to make up for his lack of size. He was able to do it at the collegiate level, leading the WCC in shutouts for two straight seasons. He is fifth on Portland’s shutouts and saves list, behind Kasey Keller and Luis Robles.

Why this makes sense: With Trey Muse staying at Indiana there is space in the organization for a young keeper to get 20+ starts down in USL. Getting Christensen regular time with Tommy Dutra should help add polish to a kid that chose Portland because of its long history of producing pro keepers.

Why this is cool: Drafting locals is cool (see above).

Why it doesn’t make sense: He could just be an HGP, so drafting him is kind of dumb.