Indianapolis will host the 2013 MLS SuperDraft on Jan. 17, as the 2012 Supporters’ Shield winners possess the 15th, 33rd, and 34th picks.
Fans can follow the draft live through MLSsoccer.com’s streaming of the event. SJEarthquakes.com will also provide a link to the streaming, beginning at 8:54 a.m. PDT.
If past draft picks have been any indication, the Quakes will look for talent that may have been overlooked by the majority of teams. In the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, the Quakes drafted two defenders: Notre Dame product Justin Morrow and San Diego State and San Jose native Steven Beitashour with the 28th and 30th overall picks.
Both defenders had their most successful years to date in 2012. The backs helped lead San Jose to the club’s second Supporters’ Shield and a franchise-best record of 19-6-9 for 66 points. Beitashour would go on to start 33 matches, register 2955 minutes, and record six assists. Morrow, typically playing on the left, also started 33 matches for 2970 total minutes, and netted one goal and four assists. Both players joined Ramiro Corrales and Volkswagen MLS MVP Chris Wondolowski in the AT&T MLS All-Star match and are currently with the U.S. Men’s National Team January camp.
The Quakes selected UCSB striker Sam Garza with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. The Carrollton, Texas native registered one assist in six matches during an injury-hampered campaign.
With the 2013 MLS SuperDraft fast approaching, the Quakes will once again look for talent. SJEarthquakes.com will be the hub for all Quakes’ SuperDraft information.
