2017 MLS SuperDraft Rounds 3 & 4 Analysis: Vancouver Whitecaps

A look at who Vancouver Whitecaps FC selected in Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

Last Friday, the Vancouver Whitecaps selected defenders Jakob Nerwinski and Francis de Vries in the first two rounds of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

This week the SuperDraft concluded with Rounds 3 and 4. The Whitecaps selected Jorge Gomez Sanchez 51st overall and Nazeem Bartman 73rd overall.

The later rounds of the draft were a much quieter affair, conducted via teleconference, and lacked the excitement of the earlier two rounds. Players picked in Rounds 3 and 4 are less likely to become regular starters for the team, or even sign MLS contracts. However, you never know. Carl Robinson might have unearthed some young gems. So here is an introduction to these two new Whitecaps.

Jorge Gomez Sanchez

Position: Forward

Last Club: Temple University Owls

After going two for two in selecting defenders in the first rounds of the draft, it made sense for Robinson to go with a forward. The Whitecaps are looking light up front. After struggling to score goals last season, and with the departures of Blas Pérez and Masato Kudo, the ‘Caps are desperate to sign a striker.

Gomez Sanchez is unlikely to be the solution, but he can certainly provide some options. The 21-year-old Spanish forward has had an interesting career progression. According to MLSsoccer.com, he played for the Under-18 side of La Liga’s Osasuna in Spain before deciding to move to the United States and enroll at Temple University.

Gomez Sanchez contributed 27 goals and eight assists in two seasons (and 36 appearances) at Temple, so he at least knows how to find the back of the net. If he can bring that level of goalscoring to his first professional contract, then he will be welcomed to Vancouver with open arms.

Here’s a peek at what Gomez Sanchez is capable of:

Nazeem Bartman

Position: Forward

Last Club: University of South Florida Bulls

Nazeem Bartman (not Batman, unfortunately) is another international forward. He scored 14 goals and recorded nine assists in 37 appearances in the last two years with the University of South Florida Bulls in the NCAA American Athletic Conference. He also earned first team All-American Athletic Conference selections in back-to-back years.

Top Drawer Soccer called Bartman ‘the next Dom Dwyer’ last summer:

Bartman has been complimented on his awareness, finishing, and ability with both feet. All good skills for a forward to have. Like Gomez Sanchez, he will likely get his initial minutes with Vancouver Whitecaps FC 2 in the USL. However, Robinson has shown that he is not afraid to throw young players into the first team if he thinks they’re ready. Just look at young sensation Alphonso Davies and his career so far.

Here’s Bartman showing his finishing skills:

Related Story: MLS SuperDraft Rounds 1 and 2 Analysis: Vancouver Whitecaps

What do you think of the Whitecaps’ picks? Do you expect either Gomez Sanchez or Bartman to make an impact this season? Let us know your thoughts below.