Get to Know: Philly’s 2018 Draft Picks

So, the MLS SuperDraft just ended! For those of you unfamilar or, if you want to try and get a head start on some potential Bethlehem Steel players for next year (speculation of course) here’s your primer on the Union’s third and fourth round picks.

Third Round, 8th pick (54th overall) Mike Catalano (MID, U of Wisconsin): He has potential to be special. Probably a year or so in USL to develop and then the sky might be the limit from there. Mike’s 6’0, weighs 194 pounds and the Illinois native took a liking to bagging goals and raking in points for the Badgers during his stint in Madison. His senior season was a banner year, seeing Catalano lead the Big Ten in goals (10) and finish second in the conference in points (21) on the way to a Big 10 Title. Catalano would probably slot in nicely while Holness is still recovering from injury, and I doubt he’d be entirely out of place for the Union as a deeper bench option as well.

Third Round, 9th pick (55th overall) Aidan Apodaca (FWD, Cal Baptist): Division two Cal Baptist were lucky to have Apodaca last year it seems. The 5’9, 175lb forward was clutch for the Lancers in 2017. Started all 18 games, scoring 9 times with 6 of those being game winners. He also was fine setting things up, adding 4 assists to his total which was enough to get him All-PacWest first team honors as well as D2CCA All-West Second Team honors. Will once again probably slot in nicely as a depth winger for Bethlehem behind Santi Moar and Chris Nanco, maybe even a forward if need be. Union less likely to need another wing with that David Accam fellow coming in.

Fourth Round, 8th pick (77th overall) Matt Danilack (MID, Dartmouth): Shares a hometown with Oguchi Onyewu if that means anything to anyone. Pretty imposing 6’2 and 185lb midfielder was a nighmare in the Ivy League last year. NSCAA All-East and All Ivy League player. Finished 2017 with 6 goals (second best on the squad) and 4 helpers. Will be a nice change in height from Chambers/Holness/even Catalano to a degree. If I get one wish this year I need to see some tiny forward/attacking mid try and deal with him and Derrick Jones.