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The annual MLS Superdraft was be held Tuesday, where clubs selected the nation’s top collegiate players and the Rapids were busy adding assets.
Coming into the day, the Rapids had five picks with the highest being at No. 10 overall. Before selecting, Colorado sent the pick to Nashville SC for a sizable return of $125,000 of General Allocation. The deal goes up another $50,000 of GAM if certain parameters were met and the Tennessee side sent the 26th pick alongside the Monopoly money.
The picks were now No 23, 26, 45, 51 and 79.
The Rapids high selection was Notre Dame senior and co-captain Mohammed Omar, a midfielder who has recorded 68 appearances for the Irish. The Toronto native has experience with the Canadian U-20 National Team as well and is certainly an exciting pick.
Only three picks later, the Rapids selected left back Anthony Markanich, who put up eye-catching numbers as a defender with Northern Illinois University. In 67 starts with NIU, Markanich tallied 17 goals and 24 assists, all from left back. Definitely impressive attacking stats. Markanich has also won the MAC (Mid American Conference) twice, and the 2018 Freshman of the Year. Personally, this is the pick that has me the most excited
With their third selection and 45th selection overall, Padraig Smith and the Rapids called the name of Roberto Molina, a soon-to-be 21 year-old winger from El Salvador. Molina is another interesting pick, as he isn’t out of college, but rather the USL. Molina recorded 30 appearances with USL’ LAs Vegas Lights in 2021, and has also appeared in three international friendlies for his home nation.
“We’re pleased with the results of today’s SuperDraft,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager in a news release. “Our club remains committed to developing young players and we believe the SuperDraft continues to be a valuable mechanism for acquiring players with the potential to contribute at the next level.”
The Rapids passed on their two remaining selections, adding three young talents in earlier rounds.
The Rapids have had great success in past years of the Superdraft, adding talents like Dominique Badji, Axel Sjobergand Andre Shinyashiki. The club will hope their three selections today can continue to contribute.