Round 2

Syracuse goalie Russell Shealy was my top ranked goalie in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Find out which team snagged Shealy in the second round of the 2023 MLS Super Draft.

Chris Ransom follow @DraftUtopia Last Updated: December 26, 2022

30. St. Louis City SC: John Klein, M, Saint Louis B+ Grade
    
    
    St. Louis City SC gets a backup right back for depth in most cases. This is an exception as St. Louis City SC goes with a central midfielder for depth with hometown player John Klein dropping to the second round.
    
    
    
    The 5-7 140 lb John Klein was teammates with last years first round pick Simon Becher. John Klein had 7 goals, 15 assists, and 29 points in 2021 with Simon Becher when Becher had 14 goals, 10 assists, and 38 points. John Klein had 7 goals, 5 assists, and 19 points without Becher in 2022. John Klein still did well enough to get an invite to the 2022 MLS College Showcase. I had a first round grade on John Klein in my second to last mock draft.
    
    
    
31. D.C. United: Ben Stitz, M, Penn A Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 180 lb Ben Stitz is the catalyst behind Penn's 2022 Ivy League Championship team. Ben Stitz had 2 goals, 8 assists, and 12 points in 2021. Ben Stitz had 10 goals, 7 assists, and 27 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Ben Stitz can play the 8 at central midfielder and the 10 at attacking midfielder. He's got ideal playmaking and size that should translate to either MLS Next or perhaps even MLS down the road.
    
    
    
    D.C. United needed an 8 at central midfielder. Ben Stitz was one of my sleepers in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. I'm surprised he went this early, but I freaking love this pick from a team need standpoint despite the fact that I mocked him in the third round because I can see him starting as a rookie replacing Sofianne Djefall.
    
    
    
    
    
32. Toronto F.C.: Jalen Watson, D, Penn State C- Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 165 lb Jalen Watson is a four year starter at left back for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Jalen Watson only helped Penn State get 1 shutout in 2022, but Toronto F.C. saw something in the Toronto, Ontario Native. I'm kind of curious what Toronto F.C. saw since they passed on Penn State's best player here.
    
    
    
33. San Jose Earthquakes: Liam Butts, F, Penn State C Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 165 lb Liam Butts had a strong freshman season with 9 goals, 1 assist, and 19 points back in 2019. That was the peak season for Liam Butts as Liam Butts never improved on his freshman season.
    
    
    
    Liam Butts was a player who was on Atlanta United F.C.'s Academy. Atlanta chose not to give him a homegrown contract and San Jose drafted the speedy striker for depth as a backup to Jeremy Ebobisse. Considering that San Jose is drafting Butts as a backup to Ebobise for depth, this is a solid selection. Butts has speed that you can't teach, but his production has dropped off a cliff since 2019.
    
    
    
    I just wish San Jose addressed defensive midfielder and left back instead because San Jose has 0 left backs and 0 defensive midfielders on the roster. Rather than draft for need, San Jose opted to draft for value and it felt like San Jose reached once again in the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    
    
34. Houston Dynamo F.C.: Isaiah Reid, F, Clemson A+ Grade
    
    
    There were two players in my top twenty that fell to the second round. One of those guys got picked in the second round and the other guy fell ot the third round. Clemson forward Isaiah Reid was the player that fell to Houston Dynamo F.C. in the second round ranked ninteenth overall on my big board.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 150 lb Isaiah Reid is versatile enough to play the 3 at left back, the 9 at striker, or the 11 at left winger. Isaiah Reid had 9 goals, 3 assists, and 21 points in 2021. He was the hero during Clemson's 2021 College Cup season where Clemson won it all scoring both goals in Clemson's 2-0 win over Washington in the 2021 College Cup Championship Game playing the 9 striker. Isaiah Reid only had 3 goals, 0 assists, and 6 points in 13 starts with Clemson this season when transitioning to the 11 at left winger. Isaiah Reid has been a forward his entire career, but he's being asked to play the 3 at left back at the 2022 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    Houston Dynamo F.C.'s two biggest team needs were at left winger and left back. Houston ended up drafting a guy whose played both of those positions, so if he struggles at left wing you can try him at left back where MLS Scouts projected him to play professionally. Also, this was a first round prospect that Houston Dynamo F.C. managed to secure in the second round.
    
    
    
35. Nashville S.C.: Sean Suber, D, Charlotte A Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 180 lb Sean Suber is versatile enough to play anywhere on your backline. He can play the 2 at right back, the 3 at left back, the 4 at sweeper, or the 5 at center back with his versatility.
    
    
    
    Nashvile S.C. has built their team around the backline. It started with former F.C. Dallas superstar Walker Zimmerman in the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. Zimmerman is also currently the only player from the MLS Super Draft currently on the US Mens Soccer Team. Nashville S.C. drafted Indiana center back Jack Maher to compliment Zimmerman.
    
    
    
    Last year, Nashville S.C. added Atlanta United 2021 second round pick Josh Bauer out of New Hampshire for depth. Then, Nashville S.C. drafted Ahmed Longmire with their 2022 first round pick.
    
    
    
    Nashville S.C. comes into the 2023 MLS Super Draft getting two defenders that were 6-1 or bigger that are versatile enough to play fullback as well as center back. Now all of the sudden, that backline is gonna be a lot harder to score on if Nashville S.C. can come out of this 2023 MLS Super Draft with a starting left back and a starting right back.
    
    
    
    
    
36. Atlanta United F.C.: Tyler Young, M, Campbell B Grade
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C. may be the trickiest team in the top 10 to decipher and honestly this is a team that could be the second candidate outside of the Colorado Rapids at 3 to move their draft pick for allocation money. For starters, Atlanta United F.C. has some players from the 2022 MLS Super Draft like right back Erik Centeno and winger Tristan Trager from Air Force in MLS Next that could push for roster spots in the MLS at some point either this year, in 2024, or in 2025.
    
    
    
    Vicente Reyes is on Atlanta United 2's USL team at goalie giving Atlanta United F.C.. Jonatan Villal is an attacking midfielder who could develop into the backup attacking midfielder at some point for Atlanta United F.C. down the road.
    
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C. ran a 4-2-3-1 formation in 2022. With their head Gonzalo Pineda returning this formation should stay the same. There's tension brewing between Martinez and Pineda though.
    
    
    
    At forward, Atlanta United F.C. has striker Josef Martinez entering a contract year in 2023, left winger Luis Araujo, right winger Ronaldo Cisneros, and attacking midfielder Thiago Almeda. Atlanta United F.C. is going to hire a new president and the big question right now is what the team plans to do with Josef Martinez.
    
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C. has two midfielders. Matheus Rossetto will be the central midfielder while Santiago Soga will take over at defensive midfielder in 2023.
    
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C. has Andrew Gutman returning at left back, Miles Robinson returning from his injury at center back, and Brooks Lennon returning as the staritng right back with Ronald Hernandez as the backup right back despite drafting Erik Centeno in the first round last year. Brad Guzan will be back as the starting goalie.
    
    
    
    Atlanta United F.C.'s starting center back Juan Jose Purata has an expiring contract, while Alan Franco disappointed to the point where Atlanta United F.C. is expected to move him despite the fact that Franco's contract runs through 2025. Atlanta United F.C. is in a position where they will take the best domestic born player on the board in the second round after trading the seventh pick in the 2023 MLS Super Draft for Allocation money.
    
    
    
    Campbell may have their best College soccer team in years. Having Tyler Young at left winger for a junior redshirt season folllowing his 9 goals, 9 assists, and 27 points, striker Daniel Hernandez as a senior despite his International status, and Jalen James at right winger will make this offense deadly. Moses Mensah and Bissafi Dotte are both back at center back for Campbell as seniors too.
    
    
    
    Campbell was my dark horse team, but they didn't do enough to make the 2022 College Cup. Atlanta got a really nice value pick for depth with Campbell left winger Tyler Young.
    
    
    
    Back in the preseason I was looking at Jalen James as the potential riser for the Campbell Fighting Camels. Florian had his eye on Tyler Young. Turns out Florian's favorite player on the Campbell Fighting Camels was the guy MLS teams were eying. Atlanta United F.C. drafted Tyler Young in the second round.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 140 lb Tyler Young played the 11 at left winger for the Campbell Fighting Camels. Tyler Young dominated in his first year. Tyler Young had 9 goals, 9 assists, and 27 points on a Campbell Fighting Camels team that went 13-0-1 going 9-0-1 in the Big South Conference while producing 1 point per match in 2021. Tyler Young had 5 goals, 9 assists, and 19 points in 2022.
    
    
    
    Atlanta United 2 will be making the jump from USL to MLS Next in 2023. The winger combination of Tyler Young at left winger and Atlanta's 2022 second round pick Tristan Trager out of Air Force at right winger will give their MLS Next team something to cheer about until Tristan's eventual promotion to MLS.
    
    
    
37. Sporting Kansas City: Chris Rindov, D, Maryland A Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 190 lb Chris Rindov led Maryland in minutes logged as a junior. He played the 5 at center back with Brett St. Martin playing the 4 as a sweeper. Chris Rindov may end up playing the 4 this Fall after leading Maryland in minutes played as a junior. Chris Rindov had 2 goals, 2 assists, 6 points, and helped Maryland get 8 shutouts in the Fall of 2021. He' got promoted to team captain and had 2 goals, 1 assist, 5 points, and helped Maryland get 4 shutouts in 2022. I had Rindov in the late first round for the longest time, but finally decided to move him down to the second round.
    
    
    
    Chris Rindov wasn't as effective at center back without Brett St. Martin complimenting him at center back. I gave Sporting Kansas City an A+ grade for drafting Brett St. Martin in 2022, but the organization never signed him to a contract. I love the value of this pick, but I'm also a little hesistant too because I'm wondering if history is gonna repeat itself here with Sporting Kansas City.
    
    
    
    
    
38. Seattle Sounders: Eythor Bjorgolfsson, F, Kentucky A Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 195 lb Eythor Bjorgolfsson had 10 goals, 2 assists, and 22 points in 2022. Eythor Bjorgolfsson was one of fifteen semifinalists for the 2022 Hermann Trophy. Kentucky was the last team in College Soccer to lose a game as Kentucky had an undefeated team heading into their Sweet 16 matchup against Pittsburgh in the 2022 College Cup. Seattle needs youth at the 9 as both of their strikers are in their thirties. Eythor Bjorgolfsson gives the Seattle Sounders that youth at striker.
    
    
    
    The other thing I love about this pick is that Seattle has at least three International roster slots available, so if the Sounders like what they see from Eythor Bjorgolfsson, they can promote him straight to the MLS after trading away their 2023 first round pick.
    
    
    
39. New England Revoultion: Victor Souza, D, Boston College A Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 195 lb Victor Souza played both the 4 at sweeper and the 5 at center back for Boston College. Victor Souza had 1 assist and 1 shutout in 2022. He was effective at center back for Boston College in a really competitive ACC conference which is why he accepted an invite to the 2022 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    New England already has an amazing center back tandem with Andrew Farrell the first overall pick from the 2013 MLS Super Draft out of Louisville and Henry Kessler their 2020 first round pick out of Virginia. Victor Souza doesn't require an International roster slot making him a great depth piece if Farrell and Kessler deal with injuries in 2023 like they did in 2022. Victor Souza was described by an ACC Network announcer as Boston College's best soccer player.
    
    
    
    Both Andrew Farrell and Henry Kessler dealt with injuries in 2022. If New England wanted to bring up Victor Souza to MLS as a backup center back on the New England Revolution, right now they could.
    
    
    
    
    
40. Charlote FC: Nick Scardina, F, Washington B Grade
    
    
    The 5-11 160 lb Nick Scardina had 7 goals, 4 assists, and 18 points at right winger in 2022. He's a natural fit for the 7 role at right winger and Charlotte FC had a glaring team need at right winger with their backup right winger set to be an unresticted Free Agent. Great value pick by Charlotte FC here drafting for need in the second round.
    
    
    
41. Colorado Rapids: Oliver Semmle, G, Marshall A Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 190 lb Oliver Semmle had a 0.38 goals against average, 7 goals allowed, a .788 save percentage, 26 saves, and 11 shutouts in the Spring of 2021 when he led Marshall to the 2020 College Cup as a first year starter with a 12-1-2 record as a starter. Oliver Semmle had a 0.74 goals aainst average, 14 goals allowed, a .774 save percentage, 48 saves, and 6 shutouts in the Fall of 2021 with an 11-4-4 record. Oliver Semmle had a 1.12 goals against average, 20 goals allowed, a .706 save percentage, 48 saves, and 8 shutouts in 2022 while going 10-4-3. Oliver Semmle accepted his invite to the 2022 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    Colorado Rapids needed a developmental goalie and still had three International roster slots available prior to making this pick. Gabriel Alves, the Marshall left back I had on the podcast described Oliver Semmle as someone who has ice in his veins as well as an extremely composed non reactive goalie. Nothing rattles him.
    
    
    
    
    
42. Vancouver Whitecaps: Daniel Nimick, D, Western Michigan A+ Grade
    
    dd>Vancouver gets a center back for depth in the second round. Daniel Nimick won MAC Player Of The Year in 2022 and Vancouver will stash him on Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS Next.
    
    
    The 6-2 175 lb Daniel Nimick had 8 goals, 1 assist, 17 points, and 12 shutouts with Western Michigan at center back in 2022. He's versatile enough to play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. He's from England and will require an International roster slot to play in the MLS. However, Vancouver can stash him in MLS Next and continue developing him.
    
    
    
43. Columbus Crew: Clay Holstad, M, Kentucky B Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 160 lb Clay Holstad played both the 6 at defensive midfielder and the 8 at central midfielder as a box-to-box midfielder for Kentucky. Clay Holdstad had 1 goal, 4 assists, 6 points, and helped Kentucky record 11 shutouts in 2022.
    
    
    
    He's elite defensively, but still kind of raw offensively. If you can take Holstad and put him on the 2022 MLS Next Cup Champion Columbus Crew 2, he's a guy that can develop into a MLS midfielder down the road when Darlington Nagbe decides to move on from Columbus.
    
    
    
    
    
44. Portland Timbers: Ryan Bilichuk, G, Elon A- Grade
    
    
    Portland is a team that needed a goalie of the future. I mocked a goalie in this exact spot too.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 207 lb Ryan Bilichuk is the best goalie that just missed the top 7 goalies in my final three round 2023 MLS Mock Draft. He was remarkable at Elon and drafting Elon's goalie does address a team need for Portland.
    
    
    
    Ryan Bilichuk was a four year starter with the South Carolina Gamecocks Soccer program prior to transferring to Elon in 2022. Ryan Bilichuk put together a career season at Elon going 11-5-3 in 19 starts playing 90 minutes in all 19 starts, recording 11 shutouts, a 0.63 goals against average, 40 saves, a .769 save percentage, and only allowed 12 goals all season in 2022.
    
    
    
    Ryan Bilichuk was second in the country in goals against average. Only Western Michigan goalie Hunter Morse had a better goals against average. This was probably the best player that didn't make my mock, but I'm so happy he got picked because he was one of the top 10 best goalies in College Soccer, so he definitely deserved an opportunity somewhere.
    
    
    
    
    
45. Real Salt Lake: Amferny Sinclair, M, Syracuse A Grade
    
    
    The 6-0 165 lb Amferny Sinclair will require an International roster slot as a native of Costa Rica, but he's an ideal player who can play the 6 at defensive midfielder. Amferny Sinclair is the best defensive midfielder that Syracuse has had since Mo Adams back in 2018. Amferny Sinclair had 2 assists, 2 points, helped Syracuse record 10 shutouts, and was third to centerback Christian Curti and goalie Russell Shealy in minutes played on Syracuse with 1,892 minutes played in 2022. Amferney Sinclair's leadership and skillset is amazing making him a great fit for Real Salt Lake.
    
    
    
46. Orlando City S.C.: Luis Grassow, D, Kentucky A Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 200 lb Luis Grassow is versatile enough to play the 4 at sweeper or the 5 at center back. Luis Grassow had 3 goals, 3 assists, 9 points, and 12 shutouts in 2021. Luis Grassow had 3 goals, 1 assist, 7 points, and helped Kentucky record 11 shutouts in 2022. Grassow complimented Kentucky right back Robert Screen on Kentucky's backline. Orlando City S.C. already has good starters and depth players at center back. My guess is that Orlando City S.C. drafted Grassow to stash in MLS Next for development purposes.
    
    
    
    
    
47. Inter Miami C.F.: Bachir Ndiaye, M, UNC Wilmington B Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 152 lb Bachir Ndiaye has potential to be a solid backup at the 6 to Mo Adams on Inter Miami C.F. This is a sneaky under the radar value pick by Inter Miami C.F.
    
    
    
    Bachir Ndiaye had 2 assists, 2 points, and helped UNC Wlimington record 8 shutouts in 2022. He's a great tackler and has the instincts to defend effectively. He may end up developing for a year or two in MLS Next before he gets promoted to the active roster, but the potential to be a quality backup to Mo Adams on Inter Miami C.F. in the MLS by 2025 is there if Inter Miami C.F. stays patient with Bachir Ndiaye.
    
    
    
48. Minnesota United F.C.: Emmanuel Iwe, M, St. Cloud State C Grade
    
    
    The 5-10 163 lb Emmanuel Iwe played left midfielder playing both the 3 at left back and the 11 at left winger as a box-to-box midfielder with 6 goals, 4 assists, and 16 points as a true freshman at St. Cloud State in 2021.
    
    
    
    Minnesota United F.C. 2 in MLS Next was so impressed with the Minnesota native, that they signed him to an MLS Next contract for the 2022 season where he had 2 goals, 2 assists, and 4 points in 2022 in MLS Next. I see Emmanuel Iwe playing the 11 at left winger in the MLS if he can earn a promotion from MLS Next to the MLS.
    
    
    
49. Nashville S.C.: Alex Meinhard, F, Tulsa A Grade
    
    
    Nashville S.C. gets a player who can play striker and left winger here. Alex Meinhard is a good fit for what Nashville S.C. in the 2023 MLS Super Draft.
    
    
    
    The 5-11 160 lb Alex Meinhard had 12 goals, 1 assist, and 25 points as a sophomore redshirt in 2021. Alex Meinhard had 10 goals, 5 assists, and 25 points as a junior redshirt in 2022. Alex Meinhard has elite kicking power and kicking accuracy despite being 24-years-old. There's a reason I compared him to former Dallas Burn striker Jason Kreis when watching his tape. Alex Meinhard is a guy with first round traits in terms of kicking despite being older hten most prospects in this draft.
    
    
    
    Alex Meinhard played in both the 2021 MLS College Showcase and the 2022 MLS College Showcase. His consistency as a goal scorer stands out even if he doesn't wow you with size or speed.
    
    
    
    Alex Meinhard can play the 9 at striker or the 11 at left winger. He seems like a perfect fit for depth at the 11 if Nashville S.C. opts to bring him up to their MLS roster this year along with Joey Skinner and Sean Suber. Nashville S.C. picked six players in the 2023 MLS Super Draft, but Joey Skinner, Sean Suber, and Alex Meinhard are the only three that I see making their MLS roster this season in 2023.
    
    
    
    
    
50. New York Red Bulls: Ethan Conley, D, UNC Greensboro A+ Grade
    
    
    The New York Red Bulls have Dylan Nealis starting at right back. Their backup right back is Andres Reyes who did a good job filling in for Nealis in the 2022 MLS Playoffs.
    
    
    
    The New York Red Bulls draft a right back here. UNC Greensboro right back Ethan Conley is a natural.
    
    
    
    The 5-8 155 lb Ethan Conley has helped UNC Greensboro record 1 goal, 1 assist, 3 points, and 6 shutouts in 2022. He's also gone 35 consecutive games without a yellow card. Ethan Conley is versatile enough to play the 2 at right back, the 3 at left back, the 4 at sweeper, the 5 at center back where he got called with a foul against Clemson, the 7 at right winger, and the 8 at central midfielder. Ethan Conley is a year younger then Robert Screen despite the fact that Screen is slightly more versatile. I like Conley more in terms of being able to transition from defense to offense, but both Screen and Conley did enough on tape to convince me they were first round talents.
    
    
    
    Ethan Conley was dominant against Clemson and Louisville in the two games I watched of him for UNC Greensboro. He was knocking Ousmane Sylia, a guy who College Soccer News called the front runner to go first overall in the 2022 MLS Super Draft a year ago flat on his you can guess what word that starts with the letter a that I'm thinking of. Excuse my language, but Conley was just that good in the one-on-ones against Clemson. Ethan Conley is good enough to go straight to the MLS right now and start out as a backup to Dylan Nealis, but my guess is he'll probably end up on the New York Red Bulls MLS Next Team as their starting right back after playing in MLS Next in Chicago prior to his senior season at UNC Greensboro.
    
    
    
    
    
51. FC Cincinnati: Hunter Morse, G, Western Michigan A+ Grade
    
    
    FC Cincinnati had two goalies ahead of last years second overall pick and Roman Celentano ended up starting over both of them and killing it. Now FC Cincinnati drafts a backup goalie to Roman Celentano that can play the 1 here in the second round.
    
    
    
    If a goalie with amazing value comes along near the end of the second round round like Western Michigan goalie Hunter Morse, then the FC Cincinnati should draft a goalie. Hunter Morse was a three year starter at Michigan State and his best season with the Spartans was his freshman season when he had 75 saves. When Michigan goalie Owen Finnerty transferred to Michigan State in 2022, Hunter Morse responded by transferring to Western Michigan.
    
    
    
    The 6-3 199 lb Hunter Morse gained 16 lbs of muscle after transferring to Western Michigan. He's dominated as the 1 at goalie this year with a 16-3-2 record, a 0.47 goals against average which was the lowest in the NCAA, 76 saves, an .884 save percentage, and 11 shutouts in 2022. One person on NCAA.com's College Soccer website picked him for their All First Team as the starting goalie in their starting 11. That should tell you that Hunter Morse is good enough to get drafted.
    
    
    
52. Los Angeles Galaxy: Russell Shealy, G, Syracuse A+ Grade
    
    
    The Los Angeles Galaxy re-signed both starting goalie Jonathan Bond to a two year deal with a club option for 2025 and backup goalie Jonathan Klinsmann to a one year deal with a club option until 2024. There were mock drafts giving the Los Angeles Galaxy a goalie in the first round which I thought was a little ridiculous, but I love this selection. I had two goalies with first round grades in Russell Shealy and Holden Trent. Shealy was my top ranked goalie in the entire 2022 MLS Super Draft and I'm beyond thrilled that Shealy is on the Los Angeles Galaxy.
    
    
    
    The 6-1 223 lb Russell Shealy is the best goalie who can play the 1 in the 2023 MLS Super Draft. Russell Shealy was the starting goalie on the Cartersville High School soccer team in Georgia while also playing for the Atlanta United F.C. Academy Team. Shealy went to the same High School as Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence graduating a grade ahead of Trevor Lawrence.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy started out as the backup goalie at Maryland to Dayne St. Clair. Dayne St. Clair got a Generation Adidas offer on Maryland's 2018 team that won the 2018 College Cup. Russell Shealy redshirted that year learning under Dayne St. Clair. After Maryland made the decision to bench Russell Shealy as a freshman redshirt in 2019, he transferred to Syracuse.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy started 24 games at goalie for Syracuse in 2022, played 2,220 minutes, recorded 72 saves, posted a career low 0.73 goals against average, an .800 save percentage, and recorded 10 shutouts for Syracuse in 2022. Russell Shealy went 17-2-5 as the starting goalie for the 2022 College Cup Champions playing every single minute.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy is a two time College Cup Champion which may intrigue a team to take him in the first round despite his age. He was the backup goalie on Maryland's 2018 College Cup team and the starting goalie on Syracuse's 2022 College Cup team.
    
    
    
    Russell Shealy will be the starting goalie on the Los Angeles Galaxy's MLS Next Team in 2023. If he does well there, expect to see him get promoted to MLS where he will be the backup goalie to Jonathan Bond in 2024. I do think Russell Shealy has a window of opportunity to be the future starting goalie with the Los Angeles Galaxy.
    
    
    
    Jonathan Bond is 29-years-old, Jonathan Kilnsmann is 25-years-old, and Russell Shealy is only 23-years-old. If the Los Angeles Galaxy patiently develop Shealy, he could potentially be the starting goalie of the Los Angeles Galaxy at some point down the road around 2025.
    
    
    
    This is easily my favorite second round pick by my favorite MLS team since the Galaxy got A.J. DeLaGarza to pair with Omar Gonzalez at center back back in the 2009 MLS Super Draft. This was the biggest steal of the second round in my honest opinion as Shealy is the best goalie Syracuse has had since Alex Bono.
    
    
    
    
    
53. F.C. Dallas: Ryan Wittenbrink, F, Indiana A Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 165 lb Ryan Wittenbrink has stepped up earning the starting forward job at Indiana. Ryan Wittenbrink had 10 goals, 9 assists, and 29 points in his 18 starts in 2022. Ryan Wittenbrink is versatile enough to play the 9 at striker or the 11 at left winger.
    
    
    
    F.C. Dallas drafted Herbert Endeley in round one. F.C. Dallas got Ryan Wittenbrink in the second round. Both guys could be starters in MLS Next and depth pieces on F.C. Dallas in the MLS. Ryan Wittenbrink could be a nice insurance policy if Isaiah Parker, the third pick in the 2022 MLS Super Draft doesn't take the next step for F.C. Dallas in 2023.
    
    
    
54. CF Montreal: Milo Garvanian, D, North Carolina B Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 160 lb Milo Garvanian had 4 goals, 4 assists, 12 points, and helped North Carolina record 8 shutouts in 2022 after losing goalie Alec Smir to the 2022 MLS Super Draft. Milo Garvanian is versatile enough to play the 3 at left back, the 4 at sweeper, the 5 at center back, and the 6 at defensive midfielder.
    
    
    
    A backline with Kamal Miller, Milo Garvanian, and Aaron Herrera will do wonders for CF Montreal down the road. The only question is whether Miller moves back to center back like he played at Syracuse or whether Garvainan moves to that role because that trio will bolster CF Montreal's back line if all three guys are in the MLS in 2023.
    
    
    
    
    
55. New York City F.C.: Braudilo Rodrigues, F, Franklin Pierce A Grade
    
    
    The 6-1 170 lb Braudilo Rodrigues is the first player player outside of Division 1 in Division 2 or Division 3 to get an invite to the MLS Combine since Pfeiffer forward Nate Regis. Nate Regis was at the 2017 MLS Combine and Braudilo Rodrigues was at the 2022 MLS College Showcase.
    
    
    
    Braudilo Rodrigues had 11 goals, 3 assists, and 25 points in 2021. Braudilo Rodrigues had 20 goals, 22 assists, and 62 points in 2022. Nate Regis had 24 goals, 10 assists, and 58 points in 2016. Rodrigues had 4 more points in Division 2 then Regis in Division 3 in his draft year.
    
    
    
    New York City F.C. needed a replacement to Valentin Castellanos at striker. Braudilo Rodrigues has the skillset to play the 9 at striker for New York City F.C.
    
    
    
56. Austin FC: Jackson Walti, M, Pittsburgh A+ Grade
    
    
    Austin FC added a defensive midfielder at the 6 for depth. I love this pick and I'll explain why as someone whose been attending Pittsburgh soccer games dating back to 2019.
    
    
    
    The 5-10 169 lb Jackson Walti had 2 goals, 4 points, and 8 shutouts for Pittsburgh as their defensive midfielder at the 6 so far in 2022. He's a high energy guy and kind of reminds me of Baker Mayfield in terms of how competitive he is from an attitude standpoint. Walti is one of these players that's passionate about what he does and will do what it takes to help his team win.
    
    
    
    
    
57. Philadelphia Union: Stefan Sigurdarson, F, Boston College A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-3 185 lb Stefan Siguardson is the youngest player that fell to round 2 of my 2023 MLS Mock Draft as he's only 21-years-old despite being a senior. Stefan Siguardson had 6 goals and 12 points in 2021. Stefan Siguardson had 12 goals, 1 assist, and 25 points in 2022. He led the ACC in goals during the regular season as a senior. Philadelphia needed some depth at striker and the Union have 1 International roster slot still available.
    
    
    
58. LAFC: Jassem Koleilat, G, New Hampshire A+ Grade
    
    
    The 6-2 163 lb Jassem Koleiat went 15-4-1 with a 0.60 goals against average, 37 saves, a .755 save percentage, 12 goals allowed, and 11 shutouts in 2022. He led the America East conference in shutouts in 2022.
    
    
    
    I asked Florian for more information about this goalie. Florian told me he knows how to use his hands. His position on the line is very good. He doesn't make mistakes. He's complete. It's difficult to find a weakness in his game.
    
    
    
    LAFC had a goalie get a red card and the backup goalie get injured in the 2022 MLS Cup. LAFC had to use their second or third round pick on a goalie. LAFC may have found their future starting goalie at the 1.
    
    
    
    Jassem Koleilat checked off the boxes in terms of his game film and his production in terms of what you see statistically. That's the biggest reason I gave this pick an A+ grade.
    
    
    

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