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Draft Order
2022 MLS Mock Draft: Final Mock 4 Rounds
Round 1 Picks 15-28
Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: January 11, 2022.
New York Red Bulls: Roberto Molina, F, UC Irvine 
- The New York Red Bulls are getting Jason Pendant back at left back plus they added Dylan Nealis at right back. All of their starters on defense will be back for next season. The New York Red Bulls can use their first round pick in the 2022 MLS Super Draft on a striker.
- The 5-9 145 lb Roberto Molina is versatile enough to play the 7 at right winger, the 9 at striker, an the 11 at left winger. He had 3 goals and 3 assists in his lone season at UC Irvine before playing a year in the USL with the Las Vegas Lights USL team. This 20-year-old has USL experience. He could go as high as the top 10 and at the very worst, he'll fall to the New York Red Bulls who can stash him in MLS Next or the USL until he develops or until an International roster slot opens up.
Previous Pick: Ryan Sailor, D, Washington
Vancouver Whitecaps: Mohamed Omar, M, Notre Dame 
- The 6-3 182 lb Mohamed Omar is the defensive midfielder on the Notre Dame Men's Soccer Team. Omar came back from a season ending injury in the Spring. Omar had 4 goals, 1 assist, 9 points, and helped Notre Dame record 13 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. He's a natural 6 at defensive midfielder.
- Mohamed Omar is from Canada so if he goes to Toronto, Montreal, or Vancouver he won't occupy an International roster slot, where as if he goes to an American team he will occupy an International roster slot. Vancouver drafts Mohamed Omar, whose gained a ton of traction and could end up going higher than 16.
Previous Pick: Jack Lynn, F, Notre Dame
Minnesota United F.C.: Erik Centeno, D, Pacific 
- Minnesota United F.C. goes with the best player on the board at 18. I did spot a Minnesota United F.C. scout at the Notre Dame VS Pitt game at Ambrose Urbanic Field for the ACC Tournament. Jasper Loffelsend was my pick initially, but with the announcement of Pacific right back Erik Centeno getting a Generation Adidas offer, drafting the second youngest player in the entire 2022 MLS Super Draft at 19 makes complete sense.
- The 5-8 141 lb Erik Centano is a 19-year-old prospect that can literally play anywhere on the pitch. He can play the 2 at right back, the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, and the 11 at left winger. Centano is extremely versatile even though right back and right wing are his projected main positions in MLS.
- Erik Centeno had 6 goals, 5 assists, and 19 points as a true freshman before standing out in a big way at the 2021 MLS College Showcase. Erik Centeno was so impressive at MLS College Showcase, that he received a Generation Adidas offer becoming the first member of the Pacific Tigers to ever get a Generation Adidas offer. Erik's brother, Omar Centeno had nothing but positive things to say about his brother.
- Tristan Blackmon got drafted third overall out of Pacific in 2018. I don't see Centeno going that high, but his speed and upper body strength is better than people think despite his size. He really impressed me on film with his dribbling and technique when watching his highlights.
Previous Pick: Jasper Loffelsend, D, Pittsburgh
Orlando City S.C.: Nick Markanich, F, Northern Illinois 
- Orlando City S.C striker Daryl Dike signed with West Bromwich Albion. Orlando City S.C. gets another striker to develop who will be ready to take Dike's place. Adding the NCAA leading goal scorer Nick Makanich at striker at the 9 to compliment a high profile Free Agent signing like left winger Facundo Torres gives Orlando some pieces on offense in the post Daryl Dike era.
- The 6-1 160 lb Nick Markanich led the NCAA with 16 goals as a senior. He really impressed me when scouting him in person when Northern Illinois faced the Pittsburgh Panthers in the second round of the 2021 Men's College Cup. The Chicago Fire owned his rights as well as his twin brothers rights and failed to sign either homegrown prospect to a deal. Orlando City S.C. capitalizes on Chicago's decision not to sign Nick Markanich by drafting him at 18.
Previous Pick: Eliot Hamill, G, Duke
Atlanta United F.C.: Sofiane Djeffal, M, Oregon State 
- Atlanta United F.C. gets a midfielder that can be a defensive midfielder at the 6, right winger at the 7, central midfielder at the 8, a striker at the 9, an attacking midfielder at the 10, or a left winger at the 11. Basically you can plug Sofiane Djeffal anywhere at midfielder or forward, but he will require an International roster slot. Atlanta United F.C. has one International roster slot available.
- The 5-10 152 lb Sofiane Djeffal had 5 goals, 7 assists, and 17 points as a true freshman in 2018 before winning PAC 12 Freshman of the Year. Djeffal had 3 goals, 6 assists, and 12 points as a true sophomore in 2019. Sofiane Djeffal played in the 2020 MLS Combine Invitational before having only 4 goals in a shortened 2021 Spring Season.
- Sofiane Djeffal got promoted to team captain the leader after Oregon State lost Hermann Trophy Winner Gloire Amanda who opted to turn Pro. Sofiane Djeffal had 6 goals, 6 assists, and 22 points in the Fall of 2021 during his senior season byy helping Oregon State get the number one seed in the 2021 College Cup using his explosive speed to get separation from opposing defenders. Sofiane Djeffal is now 22-years-old and will count as a senior in the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
Previous Pick: Eliot Hamill, G, Duke
Seattle Sounders: Theo Collomb, F, UNC Greensboro 
- Seattle can give their franchise long-term stabillity on ofense by adding youth to compliment 34-year-old striker Freddy Montero before grooming that player for the future. If you draft Theo Collomb to be your striker of the future and move homegrown prospect Dylan Teves a 5-7 141 lb midfielder to right wing where he can provide depth behind new Free Agent Albert Rusnak.
- In a year from now, you can have Theo Collomb, Jordan Morris, Brad Evans, Jao Paulo Mior, Christian Roldan, Albert Rusnak, and Dylan Teves for depth at the wing as your long-term forwards and midifielders which would allow the Seattle Sounders to reload with youth offensively while still remaining a dominant powerhouse in the Western Conference for the next decade after dominating in the Western Conference for a majority of the second half in the 2010's decade. I'd take Collomb before this, but if he falls to the Sounders, they cannot pass on this golden opportunity to add more youth to their offense because Seattle only has five of their eight International roster slots occupied.
- The 5-11 172 lb Theo Collomb led UNC Greensboro with 8 goals as a freshman in the Spring of 2021 winning SoCol freshman of the year. Head coach Chris Rich described Collomb as an incredibly versatile forward that can play anywhere on the front 3 capable of playing the 7 at right winger, the 9 striker as a central forward, or the 11 at left winger. Theo Collomb had 15 goals, 5 assists, and 35 points in the Fall of 2021 which led to him winning SoCol Player Of The Year as a sophomore. His statement game came against number two ranked Clemson the eventual National Champions in Mens College Soccer where Theo Collomb led UNC Greensboro to an upset win over Clemson.
- Theo Collomb has the soccer IQ to anchor an offense. He plays aggresive too. He's a natural goal scorer than can take control of a game. He has great speed and athleticism for a striker.
- UNC Greensboro missed the 2021 College Cup after Belmont upset them in the SoCon Conference Tournament Semifinals for Mens College Soccer. UNC Greensboro was the highest seed team in their conference prior to the loss to Belmont.
- Theo Collomb will be in the 2022 MLS Super Draft as a senior. Theo Collomb is ranked as high as second overall on my final 2022 MLS Big Board despite being a senior. If he falls to the back half of the first round, Collomb could be the steal of this years draft. I'd take Theo over Thor Ulfarsson of Duke, I think Theo will have a better pro career than Thor because Collomb brings an attitude you want from a leader while Ulfarsson taunted UCLA's goalie despite winning ACC player of the year.
- I posted a film cut of North Carolina Greensboro forward Theo Collomb versus Belmont Abbey. I've also added thumbnails to my videos for 2022 MLS Draft prospects. I'm hoping to add more of these thumbnails to my Youtube videos in other sports for film cuts to get viewership up.
- Also, I got Theo Collomb up on Talkshoe. Also, I got the episode up on Anchor so you can listen to it while reading this mock draft.
Previous Pick: Matt Nocita, D, Navy
Los Angeles Galaxy: Lucas Bartlett, D, St. John's 
- The Los Angeles Galaxy need defensive help. Lucas Bartlett is taller than both of their center backs would bolster this back line and give the Los Angeles Galaxy center back depth at the very worst, and a potential starter at center back at the very best.
- This gives the Galaxy a starting lineup that features Josh Drack last years first round pick in 2021 at left back, Derrick Williams, Nick DePuy, and Lucas Bartlett competing for minutes at center back, with 20-year-old superstar Julian Araujo starting at right back. Those five defenders give the Los Angeles Galaxy a defensive identity.
- The 6-3 200 lb Lucas Bartlett was a three time captain at Drake before transferring to St. John's for the Fall of 2021. St. John's was on pace to beat Clemson before Bartlett left that game fatigued due to dehydration as Bartlett and his teammate Matt Chandler were knocking Clemson forwards and midfielders flat on their asses three months before Clemson won the 2021 College Cup. Lucas Bartlett had 5 goals, 3 assists, 13 points, and helped record 13 shutouts with St. John's as a senior in 2021. Lucas Bartlett has top 10 tape, but he's 24-years-old, older than most players in this draft.
Previous Pick: Daniel Munie, D, Indiana
Sporting Kansas City: Phillip Quinton, D, Notre Dame
- Sporting Kansas City needs defensive help with both starting center backs in their thirties. Phillip Quinton is taller than both of their center backs would bolster this back line and give Sporting Kansas City center back depth at the very worst, and a potential starter at center back at the very best.
- Sporting Kansas City goes with a natural 4 at center back who can also play the 5 as a center back that can be a sweeper with their first round pick from Nashville S.C. The 6-6 205 lb Phillip Quinton had 2 goals and helped Notre Dame record 13 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. Phillip Quinton has 54 career starts at center back for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish making him an extremely durable center back. His play at center back helped Notre Dame get the only road win at Ambrose Urbanic Field when I saw him in person against Pittsburgh. This road win was also a game where Pitt had 0 goals in front of their home crowd.
Previous Pick: Farai Mutatu, F, Michigan State
Colorado Rapids: Pedro Dollabella, M, Marshall 
- Colorado gets the Conference USA Player of the Year at 23. That player is Pedro Dollabella.
- The 6-4 180 lb Pedro Dollabella had 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points in the Spring of 2021 when Marshall won the 2020 Mens College Cup. Pedro Dollabella led Marshall with 10 goals, 6 assists, and 26 points in the Fall of 2021.
- Pedro Dollabella is an attacking midfielder for Marshall. Giving Colorado three attacking midfielders with Sofianne Djefall, Philip Mayaka, and Pedro Dollabella makes the Rapids very deep in terms of their midfield. That's good, since the Rapds are a team that has used up to five midfielders in their formations at different points in the season.
New England Revoultion: Justin Rasmussen, M, Grand Canyon 
- New England is loaded on the back line with Matt Polster at defensive midfielder, DeJuan Jones at left back, Andrew Farrell at center back, Henry Kessler at center back, and Brandon Bye at right back. New England has everyone on this back line locked up for the next three years. Getting a central midfielder, attacking midfielder, and right fielder.
- The 6-1 190 lb Justin Rasmussen has 9 goals, 6 assists, and 24 points with Grand Canyon this season. Justin Rasmussen can play the 2 at right back, the 3 at left back, the 6 at defensive midfielder, 7 at right winger, 8 at central midfielder, 10 at attacking midfielder, or the 11 at left winger. Being versatile enough to play on offense or defense allows New England to draft him as an attacking midifielder since that's one area of the team he can improve. You can also add Rasmussen for depth on the back line as well.
Previous Pick: Paulo Lima, M, Providence
Real Salt Lake: Diogo Pacheco, M, Akron 
- Real Salt Lake cleared up some International roster spots. They also are set to lose their left winger and team captain Albert Rusnak to the Seattle Sounders. That's why Diogo Pacheco gets picked here if he's still on the board at 29.
- The 5-10 172 lb Diogo Pacheco is versatile enough to play the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger. You can line him up anywhere at midfielder or forward.
- Diogo Pacheco led Akron in goals, assists, points, shots, shots on goal, and game-winners in the Fall of 2021. Diogo Pacheco had 7 goals, 7 assists, 21 points, 46 shots, 14 shots on goal, and 2 game-winning goals for the Akron Zips this Fall. Diogo Pacheco is a player that fills a need for Real Salt Lake and could be an immediate impact player.
Previous Pick: Arturo Ordonez, D, Pittsburgh
Nashville S.C.: Ian Murphy, D, Duke 
- Nashville S.C. traded their right back Dylan Nealis to the New York Red Bulls. A new right back is needed and Duke right back Ian Murphy is the best right back on the board.
- The 6-2 175 lb Ian Murphy is a four year starter at right back at Duke. Duke Blue Devils defender Ian Murphy has the size to play center back. I even saw him line up at left back on a few plays against Pittsburgh. Unlike most of the defensemen in this draft that have one position, with Murphy I see a versatile defenseman who can play the 2 at right back, the 3 at left back, the 4 at center back, or the 5 at center back as a sweeper. Ian Murphy had 2 assists in the Fall of 2021 and has helped Duke record 8 shutouts.
- You can make an argument that Ian Murphy is the most versatile defenseman in the entire 2022 MLS Super Draft with all the different roles he can play on the back line. The only drawback is that he hasn't scored a goal since his freshman year in 2018. He's a reliable defender and was at the 2021 MLS College Showcase like the other 25 first round picks.
Portland Timbers: Esai Easley, D, Grand Canyon
- The 6-0 160 lb Esai Easley was the WAC Defensive Player Of The Year. His coaches described him as a hard worker with a positive attitude. The only reason I didn't put him in my mock until now was because I thought he had an Academy deal with the Seattle Sounders and wondered if that would affect his draft status. He's draft eligible and is a domestic player in this class.
- The only question is whether Esai Easley would be groomed as a center back with Portland or start right away. There's no question Esai Easley is a first round talent. It's just I got guys like Oskar Agren, Lucas Bartlett, and Philip Quinton ranked ahead of him as far as center backs go if you exclude a midfielder that's transitioning to center back like Kipp Keller. Then you got soccer analysts on the other end of the spectrum like Matthew "I'm not as cool as McConaughey" Doyle for MLS Soccer who think this is the best center back not named Kipp Keller. He's good enough to go ahead of his teammate Justin Rasmussen if Agren, Bartlett, and Quinton, are off the board. I don't think Easley gets picked as high as Doyle does which is around third overall. That being said, I won't penalize a team for overdrafting him when I post my 2022 MLS Draft Grades.
Previous Pick: Alec Smir, G, North Carolina
New York City F.C.: Ryan Sailor, D, Washington 
- New York City F.C. won an MLS Cup without drafting any defenders which is kind of amazing. Their academy teams won back-to-back Championships in 2019 and 2020 as some of those Academy players will arrive on New York City F.C. next year. New York City F.C. grabs the final player from the 2021 MLS College Showcase here with this last first round pick.
- New York City F.C. can choose between Bowling Green center back Jacob Erlandson and Washington center back Ryan Sailor here. Ryan Sailor is being mocked as high as the top 5 overall so he ends up going to New York City F.C to round out the first round.
- The 6-4 180 lb Ryan Sailor is a natural 4 at the center back spot. Unlike Charlie Ostrem who started in all four years at Washington, Sailor didn't become a full-time starter on Washington until his junior redshirt season, mainly due to the fact that he had to sit behind Ethan Bartlow and Freddy Kleeman for three years before earning the chance to start in the Spring of 2021 as a junior redshirt. Ryan Sailor had 4 goals in the Spring of 2021 as a junior redshirt. Ryan Sailor had 6 goals, 2 assists, 14 points, and helped Washington record 12 shutouts in the Fall of 2021 as a senior redshirt.
Previous Pick: Jacob Earlandson, D, Bowling Green
