After having an impressive MLS SuperDraft thus far, NYCFC closed up Rounds 3 & 4 with two new faces, let’s see how they did.
Like in every sport in this country, the later rounds in a draft don’t seem to matter as much. With Rounds 3 & 4 in the books for the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, NYCFC left Los Angeles with two new faces.
After receiving a 3rd round conditional pick back in August of 2016 from the Portland Timbers, Patrick Vieira and his colleagues started the day with 54th overall pick and closed up at the 60th.
With a shaky defensive line, you would figure that it would be Vieira’s priority to grab at least two defenders. Instead, Vieira opted to go with another midfielder and finally got a man in the back.
BREAKING: #NYCFC select @Chris_wingate10 in the @MLS #superdraft round 3. #WelcometotheClub pic.twitter.com/A7gppmsyiL
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) January 17, 2017
Chris Wingate
Position: Midfielder
School: University Of New Hampshire
With the 10th selection of the 3rd round, I think NYCFC really got the best pick out of everyone. Selecting Chris Wingate out of UNH and a Norwegian native, Vieira has another young impressive midfielder on his list.
Playing with the Seattle Sounders U-23 squad over the summer and having a standout college career, Wingate could make a splash for the boys in blue. His list of accolades dates all the way back in 2013, but his Junior year was by far his best.
Notching up six goals and four assists in 19 games, Wingate earned prestigious honors such as America East Midfielder of the Year, America East All-Conference First Team and NSCAA First Team All-Region Team.
He finished up his senior year by grabbing the America East Midfielder of the Year award for a second straight time as he tallied up four goals and eight assists.
If he impresses in the pre-season tour, he could mix well with Jack Harrison and Jonathan Lewis.
Grade: A
BREAKING: #NYCFC select Michael DeGraffenriedt in the @MLS #superdraft round 3. #WelcometotheClub pic.twitter.com/QZRwgCWsJP
— New York City Football Club (@NYCFC) January 17, 2017
Michael Degraffenriedt
Position: Defender
School: Louisville
With the 60th selection, Vieira and NYCFC could not leave this draft without a defender and if they did, that’ll be questionable. Nevertheless, they grabbed up Michael Degraffenriedt from Louisville.
His name may be a tongue twister, but he’s a young center back that could aide this shaky defensive line.
Hailing from Maryland, Degraffenriedt finished out his career in the Cardinals uniform with 76 starts in 77 appearances. In his senior year, and making 18 starts, Degraffenriedt was the anchor on the line as he helped Louisville to 10 shutouts.
Next: 2017 MLS SuperDraft Rounds 1 & 2 Analysis: New York City FC
All in all, NYCFC had an above average draft, but would’ve loved to see at least one more defender. As for Degraffenriedt, he’ll have to really standout for Vieira as we all know NYCFC’s defense needs some young guns.