Atlanta United took part in the franchise’s first ever MLS draft, selecting two players in the opening round. We analyze their moves from rounds 1 & 2.
Atlanta United kick off their first MLS season in just over two months, and on Friday selected the team’s first two draft picks. Heading into the draft Atlanta had already signed 20 players.
Compared to their fellow expansion side, Minnesota United, Atlanta is definitely going the flashier route thus far. Former EPL striker Kenwyne Jones was announced nearly a year ago, with MLS veterans Jeff Larentowicz, Zach Loyd, and Michael Parkhurst all acquired in recent weeks.
Most recently the club got Greg Garza on a season long loan from Tijuana. Switching back to the draft, two other young defensive minded players were picked up Friday.
Miles Robinson
Position: Defender
School: Syracuse
The 6’2″ centerback very well could be a day one starter for his new club. A Generation Adidas player, Robinson is full of talent and leadership on the field. He was an All-American in 2016, named the ACC Defender of the Year, and was a semi-finalist for the best collegiate player award.
Experience with the US U-20 team, his build is ready for the MLS even in year one, with plenty of growth ahead of him – both physically and adapting to the speed of play. If he stays healthy, Miles should be a contender for rookie of the year.
Grade: A
Time for #8. @ATLUTD take midfielder @JulianGressel from @PCFriarsMSoccer. #SuperDraft pic.twitter.com/g2ORB3qJ1H
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) January 13, 2017
Julian Gressel
Position: Midfielder
School: Providence College
The German center mid, stated at the draft that his favorite player growing up was Bastian Schweinsteiger. While the former German national team captain is rumored for MLS himself, United fans will be thrilled if Gressel shows half the value of Schweinsteiger.
He spent a few seasons playing professional in his home nation prior to college, making Julian one of the more experienced players in this year’s class. Even as a strong defensive mid, Gressel is very versatile. He spent most of his time playing centrally in college, before eventually filling in as a striker when needed at Providence. He went on to win the Golden Boot in the 2016 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship tournament.
Grade: A
All in all Atlanta may have won the opening day of the draft with their two selections, but time will tell. Both can play and contribute from day one, and should get time, given the team is still developing.
In the second round Atlanta traded their pick, the second in the round and the 24th overall, to Montreal back in December. As part of the deal Atlanta received Romario Williams, a forward from Jamaica. He spent 2016 with the Charleston Battery in the USL, scoring 10 goals.
The pick eventually landed to Colorado who selected Liam Callahan, a defender from Syracuse, and former teammate of Robinson.
Next: January 11th’s MLS Transfer Rumors and Dealings
Let us know what you think of Atlanta’s two picks from the first round and how they add to the current squad in the comment section below.