
1) Cristian Roldan – 16th overall in 2015
Cristian Roldan left college early to enter the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. His decision would become one which the Sounders benefitted greatly from. In his first season alone he made 30 overall appearances as he acclimatized quickly to MLS despite his diminutive build.
By his second season, Roldan had already become a first-team regular. This included starting each of the Sounders’ six playoff games as he helped them take home the club’s first-ever MLS Cup.
The Artesia, California native proved his worth in 2017, as he was named Sounders MVP. He also showed his durability the following year, by becoming the first outfield player in franchise history to start all 34 regular-season matches and record 3,000 minutes in a single year. (He also had a career-best nine assists.)
The 2019 campaign would prove to arguably be Roldan’s best yet as he stepped up his level of play after the departure of Osvaldo Alonso. This was capped off by helping the Sounders win their second MLS Cup. And at the age of just 24, he still has his best years ahead of him.
What is your take on our ranking of each of the Seattle Sounders’ round one draft picks? Is there anyone you would move in the rankings, and is so, where to and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.