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MLS Superdraft split Evergreen ExplainerUSA Today Sports
Jacob Schneider

What is the MLS Superdraft? How college soccer draft works, who is eligible, notable picks & everything you need to know

Fans who are new to Major League Soccer may not be familiar with the Superdraft, but GOAL has you covered

MLS has grown considerably thanks to the arrival of superstars such as David Beckham, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Lionel Messi, with the iconic players bringing hordes of new followers from Europe and beyond.

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However, for the new converts, the machinations of MLS, with its idiosyncrasies - Designated Player Rule, play-offs, expansion teams and lack of relegation-promotion - can be confusing. Of course, like many other major American sports, MLS has a college draft too - the SuperDraft.

Here, GOAL explains what the MLS SuperDraft is, how it works, who is eligible and what players have found success at the MLS level and beyond due to it.

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    What is the MLS SuperDraft?

    The MLS SuperDraft is similar to every other College draft across the top sporting leagues in the United States, but of course, it has its own unique rules and regulations.

    The process allows all 29 MLS teams a draft pick, with the picks being determined by the standings come the end of the season.

    The team which finishes in last place will earn the top-overall pick, while the MLS Cup champions, will have the last pack.

    It's a mechanism that is used to strengthen the weaker teams in the league with top young talent, while giving college prospects the opportunity to turn into professionals.

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    How does the MLS SuperDraft work?

    There are three draft rounds in total, with 29 picks per round following the same format each time.

    The team who picks first in Round One, will pick first in Rounds Two and Three as well.

    However, teams are also allowed to deal and trade away their picks for club assets, which could include players, cash, future draft considerations, player rights and even international roster spots.

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    Who is eligible for the MLS SuperDraft?

    In 2023-24, for the first-time ever, the player pool was expanded to collegiate Sophomores and Juniors, not just Seniors and above.

    Generation Adidas signees are also be available for selection - a group of sponsored players, and arguably some of the top prospects in the draft.

    If a player with collegiate eligibility is drafted, and opts to return to school instead of signing a professional contract, they forfeit their future draft eligibility.

    However, the drafting club retains their rights for approximately two years following the SuperDraft if they remain unsigned.

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    Best MLS SuperDraft picks

    The MLS SuperDraft has recently produced some gems within the league, with this group highlighting the bunch. Freddy Adu, Joao Moutinho and Cyle Larin are among some of the previous years' first picks, but where you come on the list doesn't necessarily equal success.

    Duncan McGuire | Orlando City

    Duncan McGuire was the biggest revelation in 2023 for the Lions, turning into an elite goal-scoring striker who notched 13 goals and three assists, earning MLS Rookie of the Year.

    Daniel Pereira | Austin FC

    The 2021 No. 1 overall pick, Daniel Pereira developed into one of the best defensive midfielders in all of MLS. He represents the Venezuela national team on the international stage.

    Daryl Dike | Ex-Orlando City, now West Bromwich Albion

    Daryl Dike earned a transfer abroad to England after his first year in MLS (2020-21), being one of the perfect examples on how a player can use their rookie season as a leapfrog system to Europe. He features for the USMNT when healthy, and recorded one of the highest internal transfer fees in league history at $9.5M.

    Dayne St. Clair | Minnesota United

    DSC, as he's dubbed by the Loons, is one of the biggest success stories yet - as he's become a regular with the Canada Men's national team in their camps while also going to Qatar in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He was the 2022 MLS All Star MVP and a regular in net for the Northern club.

    Tajon Buchanan | Ex-New England Revolution, now Club Brugge

    Tajon Buchanan, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2019 draft, is perhaps the brightest SuperDraft export of the past five years. He's become a regular with the senior Canada men's national team, crafting his trade as one of the best wingbacks in all of Belgium.