Round 2

Louisville defender Josh Jones was in my top 5 overall. Find out which team got my best center back in the second round.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 19, 2023

30. Toronto F.C.: Joey Maher, D, Indiana A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 160 lb Joey Maher can play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. Joey Maher has played in 85 soccer games over the past four years starting in 83 different matches. Joey Maher has helped Indiana's backline produce 40 career shutouts over the past four years. You can argue that alone makes Joey Maher the most consistent center back in the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    Joey Maher got Indiana to the Championship in the 2020 College Cup and the 2022 College Cup. Indiana won the 2020 Big Ten Championship, lost the 2021 Big Ten Championship to Penn State, lost the 2022 Big Ten Championship to Rutgers before making the 2022 College Cup, and won the 2023 Big Ten Championship over Penn State the same team that they defeated to win the 2020 Big 10 Championship in the Spring of 2021 before losing to that team in the Fall of 2021.
    
    
    
    Sporting Kansas may draft a center back that can quickly develop in the second round of the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Why not take the most experienced center back from a defensive standpoint who helped Indiana record 10 shutouts in the Spring of 2021, 13 shutouts in the Fall of 2021, 8 shutouts in 2022, and 9 shutouts in 2023. Those shutouts over a four year period add up to 40 career shutouts. Joey Maher also had a career high 2 goals, 1 assist, and 5 points during his senior season in 2023.
    
    
    
    Toronto F.C. needed a center back. Joey Maher is an awesome addition for Toronto F.C. to start the second round of the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
31. Austin FC: Bryant Farkarlun, F, Texas Rio Grande Valley C Grade
    
    
    Austin FC runs a 4-2-3-1 formation. Austin FC has used all 8 of their International roster slots for 2024, but Austin FC still has all 3 Under 22 International slots. Austin FC traded their fifth overall pick to the Colorado Rapids for Allocation Money and their only pick was this pick.
    
    
    
    The 5-7 150 lb Bryant Farkarlun is a winger with the versatility to play the 7 at right winger and the 11 at left winger. Bryant Farkarlun had 5 goals, 0 assists, 10 points in 2023.
    
    
    
    
    
32. Inter Miami C.F.: Leo Afonso, F, Virginia D+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 170 lb Leo Afonso was a starting striker on Virginia in 2021 and 2022. Leo Afonso had 8 goals, 2 assists, and 18 points in 2021. Leo Afonso had 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Mouhammed Thiam and Stephen Annor Gyfami were the starting strikers on Virginia in 2023. Leo Afonso only had 5 goals, 2 assists, and 12 points as a senior in 2023.
    
    
    
    Inter Miami C.F. can use Leo Afonso as a starter in MLS Next. He would be a bench player if he somehow made it to the MLS.
    
    
    
33. Chicago Fire F.C.: Olu Oyegunle, D, Syracuse B Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 203 lb Olu Oyegunle has the versatility to play the 2 at left back and the 5 at center back with his versatility. Olu Oyegunle started 21 games helping Syracuse get 10 shutouts while starting in 8 of those ten games where Syracuse got a shutout during their run to winning the 2022 College Cup. Olu Oyegunle helped Syracuse get 4 shutouts in 16 starts as a junior in 2023.
    
    
    
    The 21-year-old Olu Oyegule is from Toronto, Ontario. Chicago Fire F.C. brings Olu Oyegunle to their MLS Next Team. I had Olu Oyegunle getting picked by Toronto F.C. with the very first pick in the third round.
    
    
    
    
    
34. Colorado Rapids: Palmer Ault, F, Butler A Grade
    
    
    I had Palmer Ault going one pick earlier. This is great value for the preseason number one pick back in August.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 160 lb Palmer Ault dominated the 9 at striker with 10 goals, 6 assists, and 26 points to the point where he was named Big East Freshman of the Year during his freshman season in 2022. Ault did so well as a freshman, that he entered the preseason as the early favorite to go first overall in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Palmer Ault only had 6 goals, 0 assists, and 12 points as a sophomore in 2023 at Butler.
    
    
    
    Palmer Ault is only 19-years-old. He won Mr. Soccer in the State of Indiana as a High School senior after his dad won Mr. Basketball in the State of Indiana. Honestly, Inter Miami C.F. is a team that can gamble on Palmer Ault in the second round as this pick could become a massive steal if Ault reverts to the player he was in 2022.
    
    
    
35. Chicago Fire F.C.: Jason Shokalook, F, Akron A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 161 lb Jason Shokalook redshirted in 2020 during the Covid-19 year despite playing in the Spring of 2021 and saw limited action with 4 goals, 4 assists, and 12 points in the Fall of 2021. Jason Shokalook had 7 goals, 5 assists, and 19 points as a sophomore redshirt as a first year full-time starter in 2022. Jason Shokalook had 14 goals, 5 assists, and 33 points as a junior redshirt in 2023. Jason Shokalook has one more year of NCAA eligibility.
    
    
    
    Chicago can let Jason Shokalook play out his final NCAA season in 2024, sign him to an MLS Next deal in 2025, and potentially have him in the MLS by 2026 with the proper development. I honestly belive Jason Shokalook could end up on Chicago's MLS roster at some point this year if the Chicago Fire F.C. were confident in their plan to develop Jason Shokalook.
    
    
    
    
    
36. D.C. United: Brandon Parrish, M, Clemson A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 165 lb Brandon Parrish had 3 goals, 1 assist, and 7 points in 2022. Brandon Parrish had 4 goals, 2 assists, 10 points, and has helped Clemson record 9 shutouts as a starter in 18 starts in 2023.
    
    
    
    Brandon Parrish can play the 6 at defensive midfielder or the 8 at central midfielder. Parrish is a better fit at the 8 as a box-to-box midfielder, but does possess the stamina engine to play the 6 at defensive midfielder if needed. D.C. United could use the team captain of the Clemson Tigers soccer team as a complimentary piece to some of their other first round picks like Jacob Murrell at striker.
    
    
    
37. Real Salt Lake: Damien Barker John, F, Louisville A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 147 lb Damien Barker John had 9 goals, 3 assists, and 21 points during his sophomore season at Louisville. Damien Barker John really stood out with 1 goal and 1 assist when I scouted him in person when Louisville played Pittsburgh. He had the assist to give Louisville a 1-0 lead against Pittsburgh before kicking a shot from half court in the net to make it 2-0 for Louisville in Louisville's overtme win over Pittsburgh in the 2023 ACC Tournament where it was 0-0 past the 100th minute. Damien Barker John gives D.C. United a viable striker at the 9 who may also have the versatility to play the 7 at right winger in the MLS with his size.
    
    
    
    Damien Barker John is a striker that Real Salt Lake can patiently develop or bring up to MLS Next next year. I had this guy in the top 10, but nobody else had him in the first round.
    
    
    
    
    
38. Charlotte FC: Jahlane Forbes, M, Wake Forest A Grade
    
    
    Charlotte FC gets a player who is versatile enough to play forward, midfielder, or defender. The 6-0 154 lb Jahlane Forbes is versatile enough to play the 2 at left back, the 8 at central midfielder, the 9 at striker, the 10 at attacking midfielder, or the 11 at left winger. Jahlane Forbes had 5 goals, 7 assists, and 17 points as a left winger for Wake Forest in 2023.
    
    
    
39. CF Montreal: Malik Henry, M, Akron D- Grade
    
    
    The 5-7 138 lb Malik Henry had 0 goals, 4 assists, and 4 points. CF Montreal took two players with zero goals in the first and second round with Grayson Doody at 10 and Malik Henry at 39. Malik Henry plays the 3 at right back, the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, and the 8 at central midfielder. The versatility that Henry brings spares this from an F grade as CF Montreal gets back to back D- grades to start this 2024 MLS Super Draft. If CF Montreal's goal is to get roasted for having the worst draft in 2024 among every professional sports team in the NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB, and MLS their off to a great start.
    
    
    
    
    
40. Portland Timbers: Kyle Linhares, M, Georgetown C Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 160 lb Kyle Linhares played the 7 at right winger at Georgetown. Kyle Linhares is a three year starter. Kyle Linhares had 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, and helped Georgetown record 8 shutouts, and started 15 games in a year where the Geogetown Hoyas made the 2021 College Cup only to lose to Washington in the Semifinals in 2021. Kyle Linhares had 1 goal, 6 assists 8 points, and helped Georgetown get 7 shutouts in 19 starts as a junior in 2022. Kyle Linhares had 5 goals, 4 assists, 14 points, and helped Georgetown record 8 shutouts in 19 starts as a senior in 2023.
    
    
    
    Portland has a history of converting wingers to fullbacks. Kyle Linhares is a pure right winger. If he's used as a right winger for depth, he'll be fine. If he ends up moving to fullback, it may not go well since Portland's history with fullbacks in the 2024 MLS Super Draft isn't great. This is still a solid pick, so I'll give it a C grade.
    
    
    
41. Charlote FC: Jacob Babali, F, Portland A Grade
    
    
    Charlotte FC runs a 4-3-3 formation. Charlotte FC has quality starters at forward, midfielder, defense, and goalie. The problem with Charlotte FC is their coaching led to this team underperforming in 2023. Dave Tepper fired Charlotte FC's head coach for the second time in two years as Charlote FC's owner. Charlotte FC has 8 International roster slots along with 3 Under 22 International roster slots occupied.
    
    
    
    Charlotte FC adds another offensive player for depth. The 6-3 178 lb Jacob Babali had 12 goals, 4 assists, and 28 points playing the 9 at striker as a junior redshirt. Jacob Babali can go to MLS Next right away, and if he does well there, Charlotte FC can promote him later in the season making him a viable bench player at striker if Enzo Copetti is injured or has a yellow card. He's also someone you can promote for a game or two if Enzo Copetti gets a red card.
    
    
    
    
    
42. San Jose Earthquakes: Beau Leroux, M, San Jose State C- Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 152 lb Beau Leroux had 0 goals, 0 assists, and 0 points in 7 games. San Jose chose a local player once again. While Beau Leroux didn't post points, he is a solid defender when healthy. Beau Leroux only played 7 games in 2023.
    
    
    
43. Colorado Rapids: Anderson Rosa, D, Central Florida C+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 155 lb Anderson Rosa played the 2 at left back for Central Florida. After Central Florida beat Clemson, I considered him for the first round. One of my friends who scouts College Soccer players outside of the United States told me Rosa isn't a first round prospect. Another person told me the same thing.
    
    
    
    Anderson Rosa had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, and helped Central Florida record 4 shutouts in 2023. Colorado needed a left back after trading their top two left backs away. Colorado can develop Anderson Rosa in MLS Next and potentially bring him up to the main roster, potentially as a bench player in 2025 if he succeeds in MLS Next this year.
    
    
    
    
    
44. F.C. Dallas: Turner Humphrey, D, Oregon State A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-4 188 lb Turner Humphrey is a junior redshirt on Oregon State with the versatility to play the 4 at sweeper, the 5 at center back, and the 6 at defensive midfielder. Turner Humphrey had 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 points, and helped Oregon State record 7 shutouts in 2023.
    
    
    
    Turner Humphrey helped Orgon State shutout Washington, San Diego State, UCLA, Portland, and North Carolina with five of those seven shutouts coming on the road. Tanner Humphrey is teammates with Logan Farrington who went third to F.C. Dallas. F.C. Dallas said they were taking a center back. Both Turner Humphrey and Josh Ramsey their homegrown junior on Notre Dame will probably return to college for one more year before joining the F.C. Dallas MLS Next Team in 2025.
    
    
    
    
    
45. Vancouver Whitecaps: Eliot Goldthorp, M, Hofstra A+ Grade
    
    
    Vancouver ran a 3-4-2-1 formation in 2022, but ran a 3-1-4-2 in 2023. I felt like Vancouver had the forwards, midfielders, and defense to go toe-to-toe with someone like LAFC. The defending 2022 MLS Cup Champions, LAFC swept the Vancouver Whitecaps in the first round of the 2023 MLS Playoffs.
    
    
    
    The one unrestricted Free Agent that Vancouver is losing in their starting 11 is left back Tristan Blackmon. Vancouver brought back Blackmon despite trading their 2024 first round pick away. Vancouver has all 11 starters back and all 8 International roster slots occupied.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 170 lb Eliot Goldthorp is one of the more consistent International players in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Eliot Goldthorp's hometown is Leeds, United Kingdom.
    
    
    
    Eliot Goldthorp had 17 goals, 6 assists, 40 points, and 6 game-winning goals starting all 21 games for Hofstra as a true sophomore in 2022. Eliot Goldhorp had 8 goals, 15 assists, 31 points, and 5 game-winning goals starting 21 out of 22 games in 2023. Hofstra made the Sweet 16 in the 2023 College Cup this year. Eliot Goldthorp took 74 shots in 2022 and 67 shots in 2023. He's also got 62 career shots on goal and 11 game-winning goals in his career at Hofstra.
    
    
    
    Eliot Goldthorp is an underclassmen that got invited to the 2023 MLS College Showcase. Eliot Goldthorp plays the 8 at central midfielder and the 10 at attacking midfielder. Eliot Goldtorp is one of the more consistent midfielders in the NCAA and is talented enough to get drafted in the second round of the 2024 MLS Super Draft. The Vancouver Whitecaps will probably have Eliot Goldthorp return for his senior season at Hofstra in 2024 before adding Goldthorp to the MLS Next roster in 2025.
    
    
    
46. Los Angeles Galaxy: Ethan Brandt, G, Western Michigan A Grade
    
    
    Los Angeles runs a 3-4-2-1 formation with three defenders, three midfielders, two attacking midfielders, and one striker. As a Los Angeles Galaxy fan, I'm kind of disappointed in this season with the injurie, trading draft picks away, but I'll do my best to be objective about my favorite MLS team. Douglas Costa at attacking midfielder is the one building block the Los Angeles Galaxy have. The Los Angeles Galaxy traded the thirty third pick to Atlnata United F.C. for their striker Miguel Berry, the seventh overall pick in the 2020 MLS Super Draft who was drafted by the Columbus Crew.
    
    
    
    The Los Angeles Galaxy drafted Russell Shealy in the second round of the 2023 MLS Super Draft, but opted not to sign him. Los Angeles made up for that by drafting a goalie here.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 185 lb Ethan Brandt was the backup goalie on Western Michigan for four years. After Hunter Morse got drafted in the 2023 MLS Super Draft, Ethan Brandt finally got his opportunity to be the starting goalie on Western Michigan.
    
    
    
    Ethan Brandt played 2,016 minutes, allowed 16 goals, a 0.79 goals against average, 69 saves, a .812 save percentage, a 17-1-4 record, 10 shutouts, and faced 226 shots in his first year as a goalie in 2023. Ethan Brandt got his shutout in a 0-0 game against Notre Dame where Notre Dame advanced in penalty kicks. Ethan Brandt would have 12 shutouts if Western Michigan's head coach didn't substitute the backup gaolie into the game when Western Michigan led 5-0 in two separate games this season.
    
    
    
    Jonathan Bond is coming back at goalie and will be the starting goalie on the Los Angeles Galaxy in a contract year in 2024. Backup goalie Jonathan Klinsmann after starting 8 games is a Free Agent. Third string goalie Novac Micovic started 2 games for the Los Angeles Galaxy as an emergency goalie. Simon Jillson started 21 games for Los Angeles Galaxy II in MLS Next, but his contract is up too. The Los Angeles Galaxy don't have a goalie under contract outside of Jonathan Bond for the 2024 MLS Season at the moment which is the biggest reason the Los Angeles Galaxy drafted a goalie. Ethan Brandt was probably the top goalie on the Los Angeles Galaxy's draft board.
    
    
    
    I expect Ethan Brandt to get a contract. The big question is will he be the backup goalie on the Los Angeles Galaxy MLS team, the starting goalie on Los Angeles Galaxy II in MLS Next, or will he be the backup goalie on Los Angeles Galaxy II in MLS Next. Ethan Brandt doesn't require an International roster slot and will have some role with the Los Angeles Galaxy in 2024 as long as he's signed to a contract.
    
    
    
    
    
47. Real Salt Lake: Josh Jones, D, Louisville A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-5 209 lb Josh Jones would be the biggest player in the 2024 MLS Super Draft if the junior center back on the Louisville Cardinals declared for the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Josh Jones has a better soccer resume than most people realize and since Josh Jones is a junior, he can declare for the 2024 MLS Super Draft after this season ends.
    
    
    
    Josh Jones has been consistent even dating back to High School where he was one of five nominees for Gatorade Player Of The Year prior to enrolling at Louisville. Jones was also 1 out of 32 High School soccer players from across the country to get invited to the Generation Adidas Invitational at Real Madrid back in 2019. The former North Penn High School center back was a two sport athlete that played both soccer and basketball averaging 21.6 points per game and 7.6 rebounds per game in Basketball despite choosing soccer over Basketball as his main sport once arriving at Louisville.
    
    
    
    Josh Jones played in all 18 matches as a true freshman with 1 goal, 2 assists, 4 points, 1,420 minutes played, and helped Louisville record 6 shutouts in his 16 starts while also helping Louisville record a shutout off the bench against Bellermine before being named a regular starter the folllowing game during his freshman year in 2021. Josh Jones was also the 2022 National Premier Soccer League Player Of The Year with the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals in the Spring of 2022 getting 4 goals, 5 assists, and 9 points in the NPSL in 2022. Josh Jones was the team captain at both North Penn High School and the Philadelphia Ukrainan Nationals prior to winning 2022 National Premier Soccer League Player Of The Year.
    
    
    
    Josh Jones was one of two Louisville Cardinals to start all 18 games in his second season at Louisville. Josh Jones had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, 6 shutouts, and led Louisville with 1,627 minutes played as a sophomore in 2022.
    
    
    
    Josh Jones got promoted to team captain on Louisville's soccer team prior to this season. Josh Jones had 3 goals, 2 assists, 9 points, 3 shutouts, and 1,514 minutes played as a junior in 2023. When I saw Louisville in person against Pittsburgh in the 2023 ACC Tournament, Jones looked like a man among boys during the 110 minutes of play keeping Pittsburgh scoreless for 104 minutes. He helped both a Louisville and Pittsburgh player get up by grabbing that player with his hand when both players were injured which speaks volumes about the character Josh Jones has. Jones took pressure off of Louisville's goalie with his defense being the reason Louisville and Pittsburgh were scoreless heading into double overtime at Ambrose Urbanic Field. Louisville won that game 2-1, but Jones played like a stonewall defender in that game despite not getting the shutout showcasing his potential as a passer, defender, and communicator on Louisville. Jones followed that contest up with a 3-0 shutout against Notre Dame, who was the one seed in the 2023 ACC Tournament while also recording a goal in that game.
    
    
    
    Josh Jones had 1 goal and 1 assist in Louisville's 4-3 win over Dayton in the round of 48 at the 2023 College Cup. Josh Jones has at least 1,400 minutes played in each of his three seasons at Louisville.
    
    
    
    There's no reason not to draft Josh Jones if he is eligible for the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Josh Jones kept West Virginia striker Marcus Calderia scoreless in the round of 32 at the 2023 College Cup despite West Virginia winning that game 1-0.
    
    
    
    There's some questions about Josh Jones speed. I don't see that after scouting him in person since the stamina is there, the talent is there, the character is there. I think Josh Jones has a higher ceiling than Nate Jones who was the consensus top center back in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Nate Jones had a promising 2022, but his 2023 season at Washington wasn't as good. I honestly think Josh Jones is the most consistent center back in the 2024 MLS Super Draft which is why I absolutely love this pick especially in the middle of the second round.
    
    
    
48. Atlanta United F.C.: Javier Armas, M, Oregon State C Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 168 lb Javier Armas is versatile enough to play the 2 at left back, the 3 at right back, the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, and the 11 at right winger. He did get a second red card right before the 2023 College Cup.
    
    
    
    Javier Armas had 0 goals, 4 assists, 4 points, and helped Oregon State record 7 shutouts in 20 starts in 2023. Javier Armas will require an International roster slot, so he's probably going to be in MLS Next.
    
    
    
    
    
49. D.C. United: Aldair Sanchez, D, Sacramento Republic FC A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 140 lb Aldair Sanchez has the versatility to play both the 2 at left back and the 3 at right back. He's the only player from a USL team in a Semipro league to get drafted in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. D.C. United had a very good draft through the first two rounds of the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
50. Nashville S.C.: Kevin Carmichael, D, California B+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 170 lb Kevin Carmichael played the 5 at center back for California. He complimented Wyatt Miller on the California Golden Bears back line. Nashville S.C. drafted both of the California Golden Bears center backs with their first two picks. Historically speaking, Nashville S.C. loves to stockpile their team with defenders limiting the oppositions goals while trying to outscore them.
    
    
    
    Walker Zimmerman and Jack Maher are the starting center backs. Josh Bauer from New Hampshire is coming back as a bench player. Ahmed Longmire the tenth pick in the 2022 MLS Super Draft is gone. Wyatt Miller and Kevin Carmichael will probably both start next to each other on Nashville S.C.'s MLS Next Team. I think there's a possibility Miller gets promoted to the team roster later in the season like Joey Skinner did, but I expect Kevin Carmichael to remain on the MLS Next team. Kevin Carmichael had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, and helped California record 4 shutouts in 2023.
    
    
    
    
    
51. Sporting Kansas City: Dyson Clapier, M, Akron C Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 170 lb Dyson Clapier plays the 11 at left winger on Akron. Dyson Clapier had 7 goals, 7 assists, and 21 points in 17 starts in 2022. He was at the 2022 MLS College Showcase, but didn't get a Generation Adidas offer for the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    Dyson Clapier had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 6 points in 2023. He only started 8 games in 2023. You look at his face on his bio picture, he shows zero enthusiasm. He's talented enough to deliver when he applies himself, but I'm not sure Clapier applies himself consistently in the MLS. I get Josh Rosen vibes with Dyson Clapier.
    
    
    
52. Seattle Sounders: Antino Lopez, D, Duke A+ Grade
    
    
    The Seattle Sounders goes for youth at center back, but could also plug the center back I mocked them in at left back or right back on the backline. Antino Lopez is versatile enough to play the 2 at left back, the 3 at right back, the 4 at sweeper, and the 5 at center back.
    
    
    
    The 6-0 170 lb Antino Lopez was a member of the Seattle Sounders Academy growing up before enrolling into Duke. Antino Lopez had 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 points, and has helped Duke's back line record 6 shutouts in 2023 with a true freshman transitioning to goalie. If Seattle cannot get him inked to a homegrown contract, there's a good chance they draft him with their first round pick. Antino Lopez has 60 career starts plus he's been a three year captain with the Duke Blue Devils soccer team. I mocked Lopez to Seattle in the first round of my first two mocks, but he ended up being the Seattle Sounders 2024 second round pick.
    
    
    
    
    
53. Philadelphia Union: Stas Korzeniowski, F, Penn A+ Grade
    
    
    Philadelphia has a 3-4-1-2 formation. Philadelphia managed to retain this entire roster after losing the 2022 MLS Cup to LAFC. Philadelphia does lose their left back and three of their four midfielders in 2024. The Philadelphia Union put an extra left back at left midifelder and an extra right back at right midfielder. This essentially gives Philadelphia 5 defenders if you count the defensive midfielders on the left and right side with two central midfielders, one attacking midfielder, and two strikers. Philadelphia also signed a left back in MLS Next allowing the Philadelphia Union to retain most of their core.
    
    
    
    The 6-4 193 lb Stas Korzeniowski is a domestic born striker that played the 9 on the Penn Quakers. Stas Korzeniowski had 11 goals, 7 assists, and 29 points winning 2022 Ivy League Offensive Player Of The Year in his first year as a starter during his sophomore season in 2022. Stas Korzeniowski had 6 goals, 8 assists, and 20 points as a junior in 2023.
    
    
    
    Stas Korzeniowski can return to Penn in 2024. Philadelphia will most likely sign Stas Korzeniowski to an MLS Next Contract at some point in 2025 since Philadelphia already has good starters and depth players at striker on their current MLS roster.
    
    
    
54. Orlando City S.C.: Filip Mirkovic, M, Pittsburgh A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 175 lb Filip Mirkovic had 3 goals, 2 assists, 8 points, and helped Pittsburgh get 5 shutouts in 18 starts as a freshman in both the fall of 2020 and spring of 2021 helping Pittsburgh get to the 2020 College Cup. Filip Mirkovic had 3 goals, 5 assists, 14 points, and 6 shutouts as a sophomore in the Fall of 2021. Filip Mirkovic had 3 goals, 12 assists, 18 points, and 7 shutouts as a junior in 2022. Filip Mirkovic had 0 goals, 9 assists, 9 points, and 5 shutouts in 2023.
    
    
    
    Filip Mirkovic is the All Time leader in assists for Pittsburgh. I'm not sure he's in the same tier as other Pitt players like Bertin Jacquesson, Valetin Noel, Edward Kizza, and Jasper Loeffelsend. At the same time, he's too talented to fall out of the second round even with a lack of production in Pittsburgh's final two games of the season where Pittsburgh lost a home game to Louisville and another home game to James Madison in the round of 48 in the 2023 College Cup. It's also worth pointing out that everyone else whose made a 2024 MLS Mock Draft has Filip Mirkovic in the first round of the 2024 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    I mocked Filip Mirkovic to the Philadelphia Union one pick before he was drafted in the 2024 MLS Super Draft. Everyone else had him in the first round, but the thing is the other people that made MLS Mock Drafts don't live in Pittsburgh and I do. I believe Filip Mirkovic will be playing with Yutaro Tsukada on Orlando CIty S.C.'s MLS Next Team in 2024. Orlando City S.C. can try to develop those two into depth players on the main MLS roster down the road if they do well in MLS Next and if International roster slots open up for Orlando City S.C.
    
    
    
    
    
55. Houston Dynamo F.C.: Ousmane Sylla, M, Clemson A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-8 170 lb Ousmane Sylla was part of Clemson's Championship team in 2021 playing 1,348 minutes during Clemson's run to the 2021 College Cup. Ousmane Sylla had 5 goals, 7 assists, 17 points, and played 1,401 minutes in 2022. Ousmane Sylla had 13 goals, 10 assists, 36 points, has 5 game-winning goals, is 2/2 on penalty kicks, and played 1,306 minutes in 2023.
    
    
    
    Ousmane Sylla can play the 6 at defensive midfielder, the 8 at central midfielder, and the 10 at attacking midfielder. Ousmane Sylla is arguably a top 10 prospect especially following his hat trick in Clemson's 6-0 win over Boston College along with his run at the 2023 College Cup leading Clemson to a second Championship in three years. Houston Dynamo F.C. gets a playmaker for their offense right here at 55.
    
    
    
    Ousmane Sylla was the best senior in the 2024 MLS Super Draft outside of Logan Farrington. A case can be made for Ousmane Sylla being the top senior in the entire 2024 MLS Super Draft. Joey, the co host of my podcast thought he would go top 5, but questions about Sylla going to Europe probably caused teams to pass on him. Houston Dynamo F.C. decided to draft Ousmane Sylla and this was an excellent pick for Houston Dynamo F.C.
    
    
    
56. FC Cincinnati: Kenji Mboma Dem, M, Dayton C Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 150 lb Kenji Mboma Dem played the 10 at attacking midfielder for Dayton. Kenji Mboma Dem had 9 goals, 3 assists, and 21 points as a senior with Dayton after transferring from Omaha. Kenji Mboma Dem was a three year starter at Omaha before transferring to Dayton where helped the Dayton Flyers win the Atlantic 10 Conference where Dayton defeated the 1 seed Virginia Commonwealth Rams to win the Atlantic 10 Conference.
    
    
    
    Kenji Mboma Dem is from France. He will require an International roster slot. FC Cincinnati does have International roster slots avaiable, but I view Kenji Mboma Dem as a project that can develop into a viable backup for MVP Luciano Acosta whose currently the best attacking midfielder in the MLS. Luciano Acosta is 29, and Kenji Mboma Dem is 21 and will probably start out in MLS Next. If he does well in MLS Next, maybe he could become a bench player to Acosta down the road once Acosta is in his thirties.
    
    
    
    
    
57. LAFC: Kenny Nielsen, D, Georgetown A+ Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 170 lb Kenny Nielsen helped Georegtown record 7 shutouts 14 starts as a freshman after not recording any points 0 from goals or assists in the Spring of 2021. Kenny Nielsen had 1 goal, 0 assists, 2 points, and 7 shutouts as a sophomore where he took Georgetown to the 2021 College Cup in the Fall of 2021. Kenny Nielsen had 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 points, and 6 shutouts in 2022. Kenny Nielsen had 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 points, and 6 shutouts so far in 2023.
    
    
    
    Kenny Nielsen can play the 2 at left back, the 3 at right back, the 4 at sweeper, and the 5 at center back. Kenny Nielsen mainly plays center back, but has the size and versatility to play anywhere on the backline. He's also extremely durable with 71 career starts at Georegtown.
    
    
    
58. Columbus Crew: Zach Zengue, M, Georgetown B Grade
    
    
    Columbus Crew drafts a midfielder who can play a variety of roles. Georgetown midfielder Zach Zengue has the versatility to play the 2 at left back, the 3 at right back, the 5 at center back, 6 at defensive midfielder, the 7 at right winger, the 8 at central midfielder, the 10 at attacking midfielder, and the 11 at left winger with his versatility. Zach Zengue is also the younger brother of Xavier Zengue, the Dayton center back that the Columbus Crew drafted in the first round of the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    Zach Zengue came off the bench as a true freshman in 2022. Zach Zengue had 5 goals, 6 assists, 16 points, helped Georgetown record 8 shutouts, and started all 19 games in his first season as a starter during his sophomore season in 2023.
    
    
    
    Zach Zengue is 19-years-old. He turns 20 in January. If an MLS team drafts Zach Zengue, they can either keep him in college for two more years and sign him before December 31, 2025, sign Zach Zengue to an MLS Next deal, or promote him to an MLS contract.
    
    
    
    Zach Zengue will probably come off the board at some point in the second round or very early in the third round given his youth, longevity, upside, and flexibility as a prospect. I won't be surprised if someone spends a late first round pick on Xavier Zengue's younger brother, but Columbus realized what Zach Zengue brings to the table and decided to pick him with their final pick in the second round.
    
    
    

MLS Draft Process

MLS Draft Prospects

Draft Utopia MLS Draft Database-A database list of MLS Mock Drafts