With the San Jose Earthquakes sitting at No. 6 in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft Friday in Los Angeles, we take a look back at the most notable No. 6 overall selections in draft history. There may be a few names that you're familiar with.
Todd Dunivant (San Jose Earthquakes) - 2003 MLS SuperDraft
Ahead of the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, Stanford Cardinal standout Todd Dunivant was viewed as one of the top defenders in the SuperDraft. Dunivant made an instant impact his rookie season, starting in all of San Jose’s 30 matches in 2003 as the club won it’s second MLS Cup in three years. He would go on to have a successful 12-year career in MLS, while earning two caps for the United States National Team.
Drew Moor (FC Dallas) - 2005 MLS SuperDraft
When you talk about consistent center backs in MLS, Toronto FC’s Drew Moor is one player that comes to mind. In 2005, FC Dallas selected the Indiana Hoosier with the sixth-overall pick. In his rookie campaign, Moore contributed right away, making nine starts in 20 appearances. Moor scored eight goals in 123 appearances for Dallas before being traded to the Colorado Rapids in 2009. In the Mile High City, the Dallas native blossomed, breaking Peter Vermes' record for consecutive complete games played (68) and earning his first MLS All-Star nod in 2015.
Dax McCarty (FC Dallas) - 2006 MLS SuperDraft
New York Red Bulls midfielder Dax McCarty has enjoyed a successful 10-year career in MLS. The 5-foot-9 inch midfielder has grown into a leader for the Red Bulls, helping the club lift the 2015 MLS Supporters’ Shield trophy, earning an MLS All-Star nod in 2015 and receiving a spot on the league’s 2015 Best XI. In January, McCarty was called into USMNT camp by Bruce Arena following a six-year absence from the international game.
Rodney Wallace (D.C. United) - 2009 MLS SuperDraft
Costa Rican international Rodney Wallace, who played for both D.C. United and the Portland Timbers in his six-year MLS career, proved to be mainstay in the Timbers attack during his four-year stint in the Pacific Northwest. Wallace played a vital role in the Timbers’ championship run in 2015, scoring the game-winning goal in the 2015 MLS Cup Final in Columbus. The Maryland Terrapin alum made 159 appearance for D.C. and Portland before signing with Portuguese side F.C. Arouca following the Timbers’ championship season.
Tesho Akindele (FC Dallas) - 2014 MLS SuperDraft
FC Dallas Tesho Akindele burst onto the scene in 2014 after becoming the highest-drafted Division II player in MLS SuperDraft history. Akindele proved to be a diamond in the rough for Dallas, scoring seven goals in 26 matches on the way to winning the MLS Rookie of the Year award. The Canadian international has remained consistent over the past two seasons, recording six goals and four assists in Dallas’ 2016 Supporters’ Shield campaign.
