2022 MLS Mock Draft: Final Mock 4 Rounds

Round 2

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: January 11, 2021.

29. Charlotte FC: Tristan Trager, F, Air Force
    
    
    Charlotte FC will have Ben Bender first overall. If they take Bender they could plug him into a left midfielder role before plugging Trager into left wing starting both of their first and second round picks right out of the gate.
    
    
    
    Either way, Tristan Trager out of Air Force fits what Charlotte FC is looking for. Tristan Trager is a natural at the 7 at right wing, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger. In fact you could make an argument that Trager is more versatile than former Air Force first round pick Tucker Bone.
    
    
    
    Tristan Trager played left wing and striker as a sophomore in 2019, but he was used more as a striker and right winger this year during his senior season. @MLSGoneWild has him as a candidate going fifteenth overall and even took the time to post a scouting report of him. Like @FrenchCollegeSoccer, @MLSGoneWild is a must follow for College Soccer and MLS fans on Twitter.
    
    
    

    2022 MLS Superdraft Spotlight: Tristan Trager (@trager_tristan) 💫
    
    Tristan’s 13g/7a earned himself WAC Offensive POY honors
    
    Strengths:
    
    Quick feet
    Creative
    Vision
    Playing on the turn
    Urgency going forward
    Clinical finishing
    
    Would be a perfect fit at 15 for #RBNY pic.twitter.com/7sn9zLQphb

    — MLS Gone Wild ⭐️⭐️ (@MLSGoneWild) December 31, 2021

    
    
    
    The 5-11 155 lb Tristan Trager took over as the leader on Air Force as a sophomore in 2019 when he had 13 goals right after the Seattle Sounders drafted Trager's teammate Tucker Bone in the first round of the 2019 MLS Super Draft. Bone skateboarded to improve his eye hand coordination. That's one of the things Tucker told me when I interviewed him in that draft in Chicago.
    
    
    
    Trsitan Trager didn't have the same impact in the Spring of 2021. He's regained that dominant form he had two years ago in 2019. Tristan Trager had 13 goals, 7 assists, and 33 points in the Fall of 2021.
    
    
    
    Trsitan Trager may not have been at the 2021 MLS College Showcase. You have to look past that since his tape speaks for itself. I really cannot fault a team if they take Tristan Trager in the first round since he could end up haivng a better pro career than Tucker Bone. Trager gives Charlotte FC a future starter at left winger if they draft Ben Bender first overall as a left midfielder rather than a left winger.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tyler Bagley, M, Cornell
    
    
30. FC Cincinnati: Jacob Earlandson, D, Bowling Green
    
    
    FC Cincinnati gets a center back here to push the center backs in their Academy for minutes here. They draft a local in state player by drafting Bowling Green center back Jacob Earlandson who can play the 4 at center back or the 5 at center back as a sweeper. The 22-year-old Jacob Earlandson is my third MAC player to get drafted behind Nick Markanich and Diogo Pacheco.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 175 lb Jacob Earlandson had 6 goals, 4 assists, 16 points, and helped Bowling Green record 9 shutouts. Jacob Earlandson's biggest game was where he led Bowling Green to a Tournament win where Bowling Green defeated Louisville in the first round of the 2021 Men's College Cup. His best game came in a 2-0 win over Detroit Mercy where he had a goal and an asssist for Bowling Green. Other goals came against Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Georgia State.
    
    
    
    Drafting Jacob Earlandson gives FC Cincinnati a duo of Kipp Keller and Jacob Earlandson at center back. This takes care of the back line for now.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Kevin Morris, D, West Virginia
    
    
    
    
31. Toronto F.C.: Ahmed Longmire, D, UCLA
    
    
    Toronto F.C. gets a center back that is a natural at the 4 here. Ahmed Longmire intercepted the ball 3 times against Stanford this Fall by anticipating shots with his face only to execute headers moments afterwards. Utah Valley's head coach Greg Maas praised Longmire for his stout defensive play as Longmire spent two seasons at Utah Valley prior to transferring to UCLA for his final two seasons with the Bruins.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 190 lb Ahmed Longmire made things extremely difficult for Stanford this year when watching his tape up until the 61st minute against Stanford when he got injured. This may be one reason why Travis Clark mocked him as high as third overall in his MLS Mock Draft before Toronto F.C. traded the third overal pick to F.C. Dallas.
    
    
    
    Longmire can also line up as an extra left back or right back situationally if you want to double team an opponents best player. He's got first round tape, but the durability concerns dropped him to the early part of the second round. He could go a lot higher than this if a team is willing to look past that. Toronto F.C. needs center backs and will not think twice if Longmire is still here at this pick in the second round after trading out of the third overall pick. It's a lot like when Atlanta United F.C. traded out of 5 last year and still ended up with the player they were mocked Josh Bauer in the second round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Matt Chandler, D, St. John's
    
    
32. Houston Dynamo F.C.: Jack Lynn, F, Notre Dame
    
    
    The 6-2 188 lb Jack Lynn is an ideal 9 at striker. Jack Lynn led Notre Dame in goals for three years in a row now dating back to his sophomore year. Jack Lynn had 10 goals, 1 assist, and 21 points in 2019 as a sophomore. Jack Lynn had 8 goals and 16 points in 2020 as a junior. Jack Lynn had 9 goals, 4 assists, and 22 points so far in 2021 during his senior season. He really impressed me in person when scouting him against Pittsburgh. He didn't impress me as much in the College Cup, but the Houston Dynamo must come away with a striker in round 2 if they take a goalie like Roman Celenato at 4. On the flip side, if they take a striker at 4 they have to take a goalie here.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Gabriel Costa, M, SMU
    
    
    
    
33. Chicago Fire F.C.: Anthony Markanich, D, Maryland
    
    
    Chicago Fire F.C. will draft one of the Markanich brothers if either one falls to this pick in the second round. Chicago Fire F.C. owns the homegrown rights to both Nick Markanich and Anthony Markanich. I got to say, I'm kind of surprised that Chicago Fire F.C. didn't make an effort to sign either one to a contract prior to the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 165 lb Anthony Markanich was a left back on Northern Illinois. Him and his twin brother Nick Markanich both impressed in person when I saw the Pitt Men's Soccer Team at the 2021 College Cup.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Sivert Haugli, D, Virginia Tech
    
    
34. F.C. Dallas: Gabriel Costa, M, SMU
    
    
    F.C. Dallas grabs the best player on the board in the second round. One player they could consider at this point is attacking midfielder Gabriel Costa a natural at the 10.
    
    
    
    Gabriel Costa had 3 goals, 5 assists, and 11 points in 2021 during the Spring. Gabriel Costa had 8 goals, 6 assists, and 22 points in the Fall of 2021. Gabriel Costa is a central midfielder unlike Ousseni Bouda who is a forward that prefers to play on the wing, but both Costa and Bouda compliment each other quite well. Costa's responsibilities include taking face offs on the pitch as well as corner kicks making him a natural 8 at central midfielder. He's got a first round leg in terms of kicking power and kicking accuracy despite not being at the 2021 MLS College Showcase. Gabriel Costa may go earlier than this, but he certainly won't fall past F.C. Dallas in the second round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Bridger Hansen, D, New Hampshire
    
    
    
    
35. Austin FC: Matt Nocita, D, Navy
    
    
    Honestly, I was debating on whether to give Austin FC Matt Nocita or Jasper Loffelsend here. A second center back to compliment Freddy Kleeman and a right back would both improve the play of Austin FC's backline. Ultimately, I went with Nocita because he played over 1,700 minutes at Navy this season even though Loffelsend would be a good pick as well. Nocita is a domestic player too which is another reason why he could be the pick here.
    
    
    
    The 6-8 205 lb Matt Nocita helped Navy record 10 shutouts as a sophomore in 2019. He also was 2021 Co-Defensive Player Of The Year in the Patriot League during the Spring of 2021 as a junior. Matt Nocita had 2 goals and helped Navy record 10 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. Matt Notica is a natural 4 at center back and he can also play the 5 at center back as a sweeper. Matt Notica will not require an International roster slot. He's also the tallest prospect in the 2022 MLS Super Draft which is why it is hard to see him falling past this pick.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Brett St. Martin, D, Maryland
    
    
36. San Jose Earthquakes: Charlie Asensio, D, Clemson
    
    
    San Jose looked like they were scouting goalies heavily at the 2021 MLS College Showcase based on the pictures I saw that their scout posted at 2021 MLS College Showcase. Looks can be deceiving though. San Jose only has one left back and left winger on their active team roster, so if they pass on those positions in the first round, then I expect them to use a second round pick on one of those two positions.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 155 lb Charlie Asensio is a 21-year-old left back on the Clemson Tigers who helped the Clemson Tigers record 10 shutouts including a 2-0 shutout over Washington in the 2021 College Cup Championship Game. Atlanta United F.C. didn't sign him to a homegrown deal, so San Jose can poach him by drafting Asensio as a left back for depth. It's also worth noting that Asensio is younger than Hermann Trophy Finalist Oskar Agren who happens to be my top graded center back in this draft class.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jan Hoffelner, G, Kentucky
    
    
    
    
37. Inter Miami C.F.: Laukoa Santos, M, San Diego State
    
    
    Inter Miami C.F. drafts a right back in the second round. Laukoa Santos can play the 6 at defensive midfielder or the 2 at right back.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 160 lb Laukoa Santos is a big reason why San Diego State entered the top 25 in Men's College Soccer this year. While listed as a defensive midfielder on the teams website, he started most of his games for San Diego State at right back which is an area Inter Miami C.F. could improve in. Laukoa Santos will convert from defensive midfielder to right back at the next level which is something Brandon Bye did coming out of Western Michigan as well.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Tristan Trager, F, Air Force
    
    
38. Nashville S.C.: Frank Daroma, M, Cal State San Bernadino
    
    
    Nashville S.C. adds depth at midfielder. Frank Daroma played in the 2020 MLS College All Star Game representing Cal State San Bernadino as a true freshman. His freshman season at Cal State San Bernadino was so impressive that the Las Vegas Lights offered him a USL contract which he signed.
    
    
    
    The 5-4 130 lb Frank Daroma is the only 20-year-old prospect on the board at this point in the second round. Figuring out where to mock Daroma was tricky though since the team that drafts him needs to have an International roster spot ready when he's developed enough to make the jump to the MLS.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jackson Walti, M, Pittsburgh
    
    
    
    
39. Houston Dynamo F.C.: George Marks, G, Clemson
    
    
    Houston gets a goalie here as they need one to groom behind Steve Clark. George Marks was the starting goalie on Clemson's College Cup Team that won it all. I actually have a late first round grade on George Marks.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 177 lb George Marks is the starting goalie on this years College Cup Champions, the Clemson Tigers. George Marks went 16-5-2 as a starter with 71 saves, a 0.82 goals against average, a .789 save percentage, while recording 8 shutouts for Clemson at goalie in the 10 shutouts Clemson got this season. It's possible that Marks moves into the first round supplanting North Carolina goalie Alec Smir if he continues to build momentum coming off of a College Cup National Championship with Clemson in 2021.
    
    
    Previous Pick: O'Vonte Mullings, F, Florida Gulf Coast
    
    
40. Columbus Crew: Jasper Loffelsend, D, Pittsburgh
    
    
    I saw a Columbus Crew scout at three different Pitt Men's Soccer games this season. Jasper Loffelsend will compete with 2021 first round pick Justin Malou, the right back that Columbus drafted, but has yet to sign his rookie deal after being selected twenty seventh overall. Worst case scenario, Loffelsend ends up in the USL. Best case scenario, he manages to beat out Malou for this roster spot giving Columbus a fullback combo of Charlie Ostrem and Jasper Loffelsend following the departure of right back Harrison Afful.
    
    
    
    The 5-5 160 lb Jasper Loffelsend could have been a 2021 first round pick, but he chose to come back. The Pittsburgh Panthers right back at the 2 has showed versatility to play center back at the 4, and right wing at the 7 on offense. He's older than most players in the 2022 MLS Super Draft at 24-years-old, but you can argue he's a top 40 player in this draft despite his age. The only reason he slipped this far was due to the late additions of Generation Adidas prospects along with teams needing domestic players born in the United States or Canada rather than International players. The Columbus Crew have 3 International roster slots available, so if they sent their scout to three different Pitt soccer games there's no reason not take Jasper.
    
    
    
    Jasper Loffelsend had 9 assists as a junior. He chose to return to Pitt for the Spring of 2021 and the Fall of 2021 rather than enter the 2021 MLS Super Draft despite having a late first round grade. Jasper Loffelsend had 2 goals, 9 assists, 13 points, and helped Pittsburgh record 6 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. He's a fan favorite for the Pittsburgh Panthers Men's Soccer Team as well as a high character guy.
    
    
    
    Jasper Loffelsend could still go a lot earlier than this and you can certainly make a case for him in the first round. With all the talent in this years class it wouldn't surprise me if Loffelsend fell to this spot either though.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Adrian Fernandez, G, Oregon State
    
    
    
    
41. Seattle Sounders: Arturo Ordonez, D, Pittsburgh
    
    
    Seattle has all three center backs on their roster for 2022 in contract years. I feel like these guys need to prove themselves to earn extensions. Someone who could replace one of those center backs in 2023 after a year in the USL or MLS Next is Arturo Ordonez who is a steal at this point in the second round.
    
    
    
    Arturo Ordonez nicknamed Airturo Ordonez due to his consistent ability to score on headers from corner kicks is one fo the best center backs in the 2022 MLS Super Draft making him a good value pick in the second round of the 2022 MLS Super Draft. Pittsburgh midfielder Valentin Noel praised Arturo Ordonez when I interviewed the Panthers midfielder. Ordonez kicks the ball very far similar to Ethan Bartlow the sixth overall pick in the 2021 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 185 lb Arturo Ordonez had 3 goals, 2 assists, and 8 points in the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021. Arturo Ordonez had 3 goals, 1 assists, 7 points, and helped Pittsburgh record 6 shutouts in 2021. He kicks the ball with lots of kicking power and kicking accuracy. His traits on tape are better than his stats indicate. He can play the 4 at center back or the 5 as a center back that acts as a teams sweeper.
    
    
    
    He's extremely durable with 57 career starts in his career with the Pittsburgh Panthers Men's Soccer Team. He also got invited to the 2021 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Alexander Dexter, F, Pittsburgh
    
    
42. Los Angeles Galaxy: Tyler Bagley, M, Cornell
    
    
    The Los Angeles Galaxy were in the running to sign Real Salt Lake team captain Albert Rusnak before the Seattle Sounders signed the former Real Salt Lake left winger yesterday. The Los Angeles get a replacement for Rusnak in the second round of the 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    Tyler Bagley out of Cornell is a first round talent on tape, but he didn't get an invite to the 2021 MLS College Showcase meaning he could fall to round 2 and possibly be a steal for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Honestly, I'm more impressed by Bagley's film than former 2018 first round pick Wyatt Omsberg who went fifteenth overall out of Dartmouth.
    
    
    
    The Ivy League midfielder Tyler Bagley checks all of the boxes on tape as far as passing, shooting, running, and defending effectively on film. If Tyler Bagley is available when the Los Angeles Galaxy are making their second pick in the second round, my favorite MLS team should consider taking him here.
    
    
    
    The 5-6 170 lb Tyler Bagley has dominated this year. Tyler Bagley had 14 goals, 7 assists, and 35 points in the Fall of 2021. Tyler Bagley is versatile enough to play the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right wnger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger. You could argue that these traits make Tyler Bagley the most versatile player in the entire 2022 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Rodrigo Almedia, F, Pittsburgh
    
    
    
    
43. New York Red Bulls: Jacob Labovitz, F, Virginia Tech
    
    
    I gave the New York Red Bulls a right winger in the first round. The New York Red Bulls grab a striker for the future with this second round pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 192 lb Jacob Labovitz is the striker for the Virginia Tech Hokies. After Daniel Pereira got picked first overall in the 2021 MLS Super Draft, Labovitz has stepped up the past two seasons. Jacob Labovitz had 9 goals in his junior season which took place in both the Fall of 2020 and the Spring of 2021. Labovitz matched that total with 9 goals, 4 assists, and 22 points in the Fall of 2021.
    
    
    
    acob Labovitz is born in the United States. The ACC Network mentioned Labovitz as the star of Virginia Tech's team, so he should be the first Hokie to get drafted.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Carlo Ritaccio, D, Akron
    
    
44. Vancouver Whitecaps: Matt Chandler, D, St. John's
    
    
    Vancouver gets a center back that is a natural at the 4 here. Matt Chandler played with St. John's for four years. He played with Lucas Bartlett this season, who I mocked to Vancouver in the first round. Also, his hometown is Toronto, Ontario where Toronto F.C. plays. This means Vancouver can draft Matt Chandler without wasting an International roster slot which is something the Whitecaps don't have at the moment.
    
    
    
    The 6-6 205 lb Matt Chandler was part of a center back tandem along with Bartlett that helped St. John's record 13 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. He looked great against Clemson too knocking their forwards and midfielders on their asses making him a good pick for Vancouver Whitecapts if he's still available in the second round. A defender as effective as Matt Chandler will take pressure off of your teams starting goalie.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Mohamed Omar, M, Notre Dame
    
    
    
    
45. Colorado Rapids: Justin Ingram, M, Loyola Maryland
    
    
    Colorado Rapids grab a midfielder who can be a 6 at defensive midfielder, an 8 at central midfielder or a 10 at attacking midfielder with his versatility.
    
    
    
    The 5-8 153 lb midfielder has superb vision. His offensive awareness, defensive awareness, and soccer IQ is through the roof. H's also got the engine, stamine, leadership, and swagger to anchor a midfield regardless of what role you plug him into. @MLSGoneWild called him an expert at creating and exploiting angles to receive the ball from teammates.
    
    
    
    The two time Patriot League player of the year who won Patriot League player in the Spring of 2021 and the Fall of 2021 is a dark horse to creep into the first round after having 7 goals, 10 assists, and 24 points in the Fall of 2021. He's a superb value pick in the second round and Colorado simply doesn't have the luxury of passing on this domestic prospect whose hometown is Indianapolis, Indiana.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Destan Norman, M, Denver
    
    
46. Orlando City S.C.: Brett St. Martin, D, Maryland
    
    
    Orlando City S.C. grabs a center back here. Now I'm giving them Maryland center back Brett St. Martin to pair with Agren on the back line.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 170 lb Brett St. Martin is a four year starter for Maryland at center back. He's also the last starter from Maryland's 2018 Championship Team that's still on the roster. Brett St. Martin finally earned a promotion to captain last year in the Spring of 2021. With Matt Di Rosa and Ben Di Rosa gone at outside back, all the focus will be on Brett St. Martin who only had 1 assist despite leading Maryland to 8 shutouts in the Fall of 2021.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Sam Henneberg, D, New Hampshire
    
    
    
    
47. Atlanta United F.C.: Alec Smir, G, North Carolina
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C. grabs their backup goalie here even though the team could also target a center back or a left back.
    
    
    
    Alec Smir wouldn't require an International roster slot, but I think there are as many as four goalies on the board who may be better than Smir despite his appearance at the 2021 MLS College Showcase. All of those goalies got picked in the first round, and Atlanta United F.C. never replaced their backup goalie.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 190 lb Alec Smir led the ACC with 10 shutouts at goalie in his junior season playing both the Fall in 2020 and the Spring in 2021. Alec Smir matched that total in the Fall of 2021 showing he could be a reliable 1 at goalie. His game film when I saw him person against Pittsburgh was awful as Smir gave up 4 goals against Pittsburgh. Smir also gave up 4 goals to New Hampshire in North Carolina's tournament loss to New Hampshire during the 2021 Men's College Cup.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Charlie Asensio, D, Clemson
    
    
48. Inter Miami C.F.: Bridger Hansen, D, New Hampshire
    
    The 6-2 178 lb Bridger Hansen is a natural 4 at center back, but he can also play that 5 at center back as a sweeper. He's the best player on the board despite being 24-years-old as he had 3 goals while helping New Hampshire record 8 of the teams 11 shutouts in the Fall of 2021 causing you to wonder how durable he is. Bridger Hansen's best play of the year came in the 2021 Men's College Cup where Hansen scored on a bicycle kick. Alec Smir looked completely speechless and made no effort to try to save the goal since Smir didn't see that bicycle kick coming. Bridger Hansen's bicycle kick goal made SportsCenter's Top 10. Inter Miami C.F. can stash Hansen and he'll be ready if someone else needs to be called up.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Chris Donovan, F, Drexel
    
    
    
    
49. Vancouver Whitecaps: O'Vonte Mullings, F, Florida Gulf Coast
    
    
    The Vancouver Whitecaps to take a US or Canadian born player in the 2022 MLS Super Draft with all 8 International slots occupied at the moment. The 5-9 149 lb O'Vonte Mullings, a native of Canada, may be the striker that plays the 9 on Florida Gulf Coast. He probably moves to the 7 at right winger or the 11 at left winger if he gets drafted by an MLS team though. O'Vonte Mullings had 7 goals, 1 assist, and 15 points in the Fall of 2021. Mullings scored 7 goals in 3 of his four seasons at Florida Gulf Coast. Putting him at right wing next to Ryan Raposo the fourth overall pick in the 2020 MLS Super Draft that has been decent at left winger and David Egbo Vancouver's 2021 first round pick gives the Whitecaps a formidable trio of forwards moving forward.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Noah Jensen, M, Oakland
    
    
50. Sporting Kansas City: Jan Hoffelner, G, Kentucky
    
    
    Sporting Kansas City grabs a goalie to groom for the future. They take Jan Hoffelner the only goalie that was a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy this past Fall.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 180 lb Jan Hoffelner was the only goalie to be a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy. Jan Hoffelner went 12-2-4 at Kentucky posting 12 shutouts at goalie. Sporting Kansas City drafts Hoffelner in the second round, but I'm not sure they'd sign him since he might require an International roster slot. Sporting Kansas City could always send Hoffelner to MLS Next or the USL until he's ready. He won't count as an International roster slot on Sporing Kansas City unless he makes it to MLS.
    
    
    
    Worst case scenario, Sporting Kansas City doesn't sign Hoffelner keeping their final International roster slot. Best case scenario, they do sign Hoffelner and he becomes the future starting goalie of Sporting Kansas City. Some MLS teams pass on draft picks, but at this point in the second round, I'd rather roll the dice on Semmle and see if I got a future starting goalie if I'm Sporting Kansas City because he has a College Cup Championship on his resume.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Oliver Semmle, G, Marshall
    
    
    
    
51. Colorado Rapids: Paulo Lima, M, Providence
    
    
    Colorado grabs a defensive midfielder here. This pick won't count as an International roster slot unless he makes the Rapids final roster. My friend Bryan Luis used a fire emoji when describing Paulo Lima's game at Providence. The 23-year-old defensive midfieler shouldn't fall past this pick.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 170 lb Paulo Lima is a three year starter at defensive midfielder getting Big East first team honors for Providence in the Fall of 2021. Paulo Lima has 4 goals, 4 assists, 12 points, and 6 shutouts for Providence in the Fall of 2021 is a good candidate to be drafted by Colorado as a natural 6. He gives Colorado more depth at defensive midfielder, plus he's also able to play the 7 at right winger too which gives Colorado depth at either defensive midfielder or right winger if Lima end up making the roster.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Farai Mutatu, F, Michigan State
    
    
52. New England Revoultion: Oscar Periera, M, Army
    
    
    New England is losing both Tajon Buchanan and Teal Bunbury at right winger. In case Paulo Lima cannot make the transition to right winger, I'm going to give the New England Revolution a second right winger here. One sleeper at right winger is Army Black Knights midfielder Oscar Periera who plays on the wing. I also considered Pittsburgh Panthers left winger Alexander Dexter, but Periera feels like a more natural fit for the 7 at right winger.
    
    
    
    The 5-9 160 lb Oscar Pereira has a natural nose for the ball. He is fast, flashy and has a knack for placing his feet in the right area while dribbling, passing, or shooting, while displaying a tremendous burst. Oscar Pereira had 7 goals, 6 assists, and 20 points in the Fall of 2021. There's no question he's got the talent to play, but how long will his military service last until he can make the jump to USL, MLS Next, or MLS? The other question is what team will have the patience to draft him and wait for him to honor his commitment to the military before he arrives on an MLS roster.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Zach Riviere, M, Georgetown
    
    
    
    
53. Real Salt Lake: David Garcia, D, Florida International
    
    
    The 6-1 176 lb David Garcia uses the words humility, ambition, and honesty to describe himself. The junior redshirt center back from Florida International graduated this Fall. He may be the best center back prospect Florida International has had since Walker Zimmerman was at Florida International. I don't think his ceiling is as high as Zimmerman's, but he could thirve as a role player maybe even a starter down the road for Real Salt Lake with the proper development.
    
    
    
    Florida International's coaching staff described David Garcia as an Ironman. Garcia had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, while helping Florida International record 7 shutouts. David Garcia began the year on a high note 2 goals, 1 assist, and 3 shutouts in the first three gmaes of the year against Central Florida, Florida Gulf Coast, and Virginia Commonwealth to begin the year before cooling off. One of his better games was when Garcia helped Florida International defeat the former College Cup Champion Marshall Thundering Herd 4-1.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jacob Labovitz, F, Virginia Tech
    
    
54. Inter Miami C.F.: Chase Niece, D, Saint Louis
    
    
    Inter Miami drafts a center back that they can pair with Aimbe Mabika, their second 2021 first round pick that they got in the trade with the Seattle Sounders in exchange for Roman Torres. Chase Niece out of Saint Louis is a solid center back who played with Kipp Keller on the back line at Saint Louis. Niece also has more experience on the back line at center back than Keller so he's someone who would be a good value pick for Inter Miami C.F.
    
    
    
    The 6-2 180 lb Chase Niece had 2 goals, 4 points, and helped Saint Louis record 8 shutouts. Drafting Chase Niece solves any back line woes that the Inter Miami C.F. may have.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Justin Scharf, D, Marist
    
    
    
    
55. Portland Timbers: Giovanni Aguilar, M, Cal State Northridge
    
    
    Giovanni Aguilar could go anywhere between the first and third round. He has first round traits on tape, but third round stats.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 170 lb central midfielder is a natural 8, but he's also versatile ennoug to play the 10 at attacking midfielder. He's a good defender that may be able to play the 6 at defensive midfielder as his defense is better than most midfielders in this class.
    
    
    
    He knows how to create angles. Guys that can create angles in soccer are like route runners in football which is a very valuable skill to have. He had 3 goals, 3 asissts, and 9 points, but his traits are too good for Portland to overlook at this point in the second round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Josh Luchini, F, Lehigh
    
    
56. New York City F.C.: Sivert Haugli, D, Virginia Tech
    
    
    New York City F.C. has one International roster slot available. They can draft an International player to push for a roster slot. As long as New York City F.C. does not sign that player to an MLS roster slot, they will still have an International roster slot.
    
    
    
    The 6-5 200 lb Sivert Haugli is the captain of the Virginia Tech Hokies Men's Soccer Team. He's played center back as well as defensive midfielder for Virginia Tech. His father also played center back and Sivert Haugli is a guy I've been pretty high on for most of the season. Haugli made things difficult for the Pittsburgh Panthers in both the regular season before his red card and the ACC Tournament.
    
    
    
    Sivert Haugli had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, and has helped Virginia Tech record 5 shutouts in the Fall of 2021 with 3 coming against non ACC teams and the other two coming against Boston College in the regular season along with the ACC Tournament. Haugli is a natural 4 at center back with the skill set to also play the 5 as a center back that's a sweeper, plus a 6 that plays defensive midfielder. Sivert Haugli is the best center back that wasn't invited to the 2021 MLS College Showcase in my opinion, so this pick is a huge steal for New York City F.C. here to end the second round.
    
    
    Previous Pick: Jacob Gould, M, New Hampshire