2015 MLS SuperDraft Class: Mid-Season Report

4 of 5

Aug 2, 2015; San Jose, CA, USA; San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Fatai Alashe (27) during the first half against the Portland Timbers at Avaya Stadium. The Timbers and the Earthquakes tied 0-0. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

5th overall: Nick Besler, Midfielder, Portland Timbers

The brother of one of the league’s most respected defenders, Besler is looking to emerge from the shadow of his older sibling. It seems that every sentence that involves Nick, Matt has to be mentioned. The younger Besler has shown some similarities to his brother, including his leadership abilities – Matt is the captain of Sporting Kansas City, while Nick was the skipper from the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in his senior year – but the parallels between the two stop at a certain point. Nick is a midfielder, while Matt makes his living on the back-line. Nick was loaned to Portland Timbers 2 at the start of the season and will be given plenty of time to develop. It is interesting to note that Matt was drafted 8th overall in 2009, three spots behind where his younger brother would go six years later. Keep in mind, Matt Besler is a two-time All-Star, a Designated Player and a member of the U.S. National team. The future is bright for Nick.

4th overall: Fatai Alashe, Midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes

Alashe has been given tons of top-level playing time while on the bottom feeding San Jose Earthquakes. He has appeared in 19 games, starting 18 of them and has been putting forth strong performances. The San Jose coaching staff clearly have confidence in the former Portland Timbers academy member, as he has been trusted to play as the lone defensive midfielder in a 4-1-4-1 formation. Alashe already has his name in the Earthquakes history books – he scored the first goal at the club’s new ground, Avaya Stadium.

Mar 28, 2015; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Montreal Impact forward Romario Williams (17) plays the ball during the second half against the Orlando City SC at the Olympic Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-USA TODAY Sports /

3rd overall: Romario Williams, Striker, Montreal Impact

Williams has actually had more time with the Jamaican U-23 national team than with the Impact. Sadly for Williams, this doesn’t seem to be on the verge of changing any time soon. He is at the bottom of the Montreal striker depth-chart, behind players such as Didier Drogba, Kenny Cooper, Anthony Jackson-Hamel and even fellow rookie, Cameron Porter, who was drafted 42 picks behind Williams.

2nd overall: Khiry Shelton, Striker, New York City FC

Shelton’s fiery play earlier on left the expansion club’s staff and supporters with no doubt that they made the right choice picking the big forward. He provides the team with a physical presence up front – as well as a target on set pieces – and is the perfect complement for David Villa. Unfortunately, Shelton injured his quad in June and hasn’t played since. The (soccer) Yankee Stadium faithful hope he will be back to terrorizing opposing back-lines soon.

"“Shelton brought a huge spark with his pace. He was able to help the team transition quickly and create chances. He appears to have a bright future, but may struggle to get back into the side due to the emergence of Kwadwo Poku and recent midfield acquisitions. It was a great move by NYCFC to draft him second.” – Jamie Martin, Editor, Skyscraper Blues"

Next: The Great Cyle Larin

Home/CF Montreal