What to watch for in the MLS draft

In most American sports leagues the draft is one of the best ways to refuel a roster. It's not true in the NWSL since they got rid of the draft. It's not true in MLB because it takes players half a career to earn the call.

And in MLS the simple truism is that the group of available players isn't as talented as they once were, while the league (and the ranks below MLS) are much larger than they were when the Sounders started their MLS journey in 2009. And the Seattle Sounders are perpetually good.

You know this, but I'll remind you – Alex Roldan is the last successful draftee to directly join the first team. Since then most of the success for Seattle via the draft comes from players who were drafted by other teams (or Seattle) and then didn't play for the Sounders.

That's a sign of what Thursday's 11 am PT draft will be – players selected to help Defiance compete, to build the competitive nature of Defiance players and then maybe build into MLS talents. You could call this the Kalani Kossa-Rienzi example. It's also somewhat similar to the Paul Rothrock and Jackson Ragen journey.

Prepare yourself not to see who can be drafted to fill a Sounders need (3rd keeper, 5th CB, 5th outside back, 7th attacker). Study who fits the needs for Defiance. That's basically anyone but a midfielder. Even a midfielder would be useful, but not necessary.

American Soccer Analysis has a beautiful Big Board with their passion for stats and charts fully enabled. With picks 51 and 81 you're looking at the deep board over on Top Drawer Soccer.

Guys like Richie Aman from UW at wide forward fit a Defiance need and there's a local connection. He won't be where the Sounders pick, as he signed a pre-draft contract indicating that many teams in the league think he's a top 10 talent, but Seattle takes those PNW guys quite a bit. Seattle also enjoys those 'elbow defenders' described by ASA. If you like Nouhou or Jon Bell or Cody Baker you know what an elbow defender is. Defiance could also use that modern outside back that surges forward to polish up since those keep moving through the system.

The Sounders have until Thursday to sign Trace Terry to a deal or last year's 3rd pick (76 overall) can re-enter the draft or sign anywhere.

Most importantly, remember that the draft may not suit the first team in 2026. It does signify massive moments for these players and their families. They've gone to university and their next step – the potential to be one of the 2000 or so professional men's soccer players in the US – is in front of them.

The Dawgs, Redhawks and others are one step closer to a dream – celebrate that whether they are Sounders or not.