A look at who Vancouver Whitecaps FC selected in Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.
The first two rounds of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft took place on Friday in Los Angeles. With the seventh and 29th overall picks, the Vancouver Whitecaps selected defenders Jakob Nerwinski and Francis de Vries.
Jakob Nerwinski
Position: Defender
Last Club: University of Connecticut Huskies
It’s easy to see why Carl Robinson went for a right back with his first draft pick. Both Jordan Smith and Fraser Aird have moved on after a disappointing 2016, leaving a gaping hole on the right side of defense. After his failed experiments with Smith and Aird, Robinson moved quickly to sign an experienced, established right back in Houston’s Sheanon Williams.
Nerwinski, 22, will compete with last year’s draft pick Cole Seiler and WFC2’s Kadin Chung as a potential backup to Williams. Nerwinski scored five goals and recorded 17 assists in 81 appearances at the University of Connecticut.
The Whitecaps likely selected Nerwinski over the other options at right back due to his ability to play on the left side of defense as well. He’s shown leadership skills which the Whitecaps have lacked recently, having been a co-captain at Connecticut. He was also a member of the Spanish Honors Society, which may prove useful given how many of his new teammates are from Latin America.
Francis de Vries
Position: Defender
Last Club: Saint Francis University Red Flash
Nothing if not consistent, the Whitecaps selected yet another defender in the second round. Also 22, de Vries is 6’2″ and apparently lethal at scoring from set pieces. He scored 15 goals and also recorded six assists in 78 appearances at Saint Francis University. He is a native of Christchurch, New Zealand, meaning he would take up an international slot if he signs an MLS contract.
Even with David Edgar out with a long-term injury, there are a few central defenders ahead of de Vries. Kendall Waston, Tim Parker, Christian Dean, and Cole Seiler would all likely be selected before him. However, the Whitecaps have had good luck with drafting defenders in recent years, especially Tim Parker, and so de Vries could surprise. It’s interesting to note that he spent time in FC Basel’s academy in Switzerland.
Recent SuperDraft Successes
What can we expect from Nerwinksi and de Vries? Draft picks have been a mixed bag for Vancouver in recent years. In last year’s SuperDraft, the Whitecaps selected defender Cole Seiler and forward Thomas Sanner. Sanner made 21 appearances and scored four goals as he played for USL affiliate Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2.
Like Sanner, Seiler spent the season with the Whitecaps FC 2, making 17 appearances. However, Seiler also got a few run-outs with the senior Whitecaps team. He signed an MLS contract in April and made two MLS appearances in 2016, both at right back. As well, Seiler made appearances in the CONCACAF Champions League and the Canadian Championship.
Nerwinski and de Vries will definitely be hoping to follow in the footsteps of 2015 first round draft pick Tim Parker, who by the end of his rookie season had already carved out a first team spot for himself. But they will have to work hard to live up to 2013 draft pick Kekuta Manneh. U.S. National Team coach Bruce Arena gave Manneh his first international call-up this month.
Rounds 3 and 4 of the SuperDraft will be held next Tuesday, January 17 at 11am PST.
Next: More SuperDraft Analysis: Atlanta United
Did the Whitecaps make the right choice? Do you expect either Nerwinski or de Vries to make an impact this season? Let us know your thoughts below.
Take a look at how the other MLS teams did in the MLS SuperDraft: