Atlanta United completed their franchise’s first ever MLS draft, selecting two additional players in the closing rounds. An analysis of their selections.
Last week Atlanta continued to build out their squad as they move closer to the debut of the new MLS franchise. After rounds one and two, many people thought that Atlanta United may have won the draft, receiving high marks across reviews. You can read our thoughts on their early round picks here – Atlanta United Rounds 1 & 2 Analysis.
Picking up a midfielder and a defender, the club continued their focus on solidifying the base of the team in the two later rounds. Here is a look at their third and fourth picks, and how they might fare on the current roster.
A third round @MLS #SuperDraft choice by @ATLUTD, Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu is @harvardmsoccer's highest pick since 2010 https://t.co/1U27pI8Swi pic.twitter.com/2y0D3jlGm8
— Harvard Athletics (@harvardcrimson) January 17, 2017
Andrew Wheeler-Omiunu
Position: Midfielder/Defender
School: Harvard University
The defensive midfielder made 61 starts during his time at Harvard, racking up four goals and six assists. He earned both NCAA and Ivy-League honors throughout his time in college. With the current depth chart, even in year one, Andrew may find it hard to get a lot of playing time early on. Already having two midfield DPs on the roster, Jeff Larentowicz, and second round pick Julian Gressel. However, with his defensive tendencies, Atlanta could up to try him on the back line during the preseason, where they currently only have six signed players.
Grade: B
Help us congratulate goalkeeper Alex Kapp for making the NSCAA All-America Third Team! https://t.co/SjhuLIwMs5 #GoJays pic.twitter.com/6i5QRO86Hk
— Creighton Men’s Soccer (@creightonmsoc) December 9, 2016
Alex Kapp
Position: Goalkeeper
School: Creighton
Right now Kapp would be Atlanta’s third keeper, while also creating an interesting depth chart. One of the two keepers on the roster going into the draft was named Alec Kann. To round out the keeper list with a third Alex/Alec, Alexandros Tabakis comes from Panathinaikos in Greece. All three will likely get time to determine who is the season’s starter and primary backup. But given the unsure nature of the depth chart, all three could remain with the first team, getting time early on, until determining who could be loaned out to the USL.
Grade: B
Next: Review of January 21st transfer rumors
Let us know what you think of Atlanta’s final two picks from the 2017 draft and how they add to the current squad in the comment section below.