The Brotherly Game 2011 MLS SuperDraft Philadelphia Union Draft Primer

The 2011 MLS SuperDraft begins at 12 pm (noon) today and the Brotherly Game has a cheat sheet for you. Here's who you should know about in he first round of re draft; all have a possibility of selection by the Union at pick number five.

Corey Hertzog (F, PSU): Hertzog is considered the top striker of the 2011 NCAA season but will most likely not be the first striker taken in the draft. He's the second best finisher and the most polished striker available. His ceiling is lower than that of Will Bruin or Omar Salagado, but he is most likely of the three to make an impact in his first season in the MLS.

Projection: 5-12

Will Bruin (F, Indiana): Bruin wasn't as accomplished as Hertzog in college but finds himself in the same draft area as Hertzog. A fantastic finisher there isn't a comparable finisher in the draft. He has a higher upside than Hertzog but isn't nearly as complete at the moment.

Projection: 3-7

Omar Salagado (F, USMNT u20): The 17-year-old Chivas de Guadalajara product is a 6'4" question. He certainly has the potential to be great, draft experts are saying he has the most upside of any offensive player in the draft. but can he put it together while a team and its supporters wait? He's a long-term project so teams have to be patient with him; if they do he may very well reward them by becoming one of the best target strikers in the MLS. 

Projection:3-9

Michael Tetteh (LB/LM, USCB): Though injured for the majority of his 2010 NCAA season, Tetteh is the best left footed or left side minded player in the entire draft. Plenty of speed and agility gives Tetteh the ability to not only cover behind attacking players on the left side of the pitch but also attack on his own. His role with USCB was protecting the entire left side of the pitch because of the team's style of play and he did well under the circumstances. 

Projection: 9-13

More after the jump…

A.J. Soares (CB, Cal): The tall, strong center defender is the best centerback in the draft without question. His size and experience gives him the ability to make an impact for his soon-to-be new team right out of the draft. Any team with a need in the center of its defense will be looking to take Soares.

Projection: 8-16

Zarek Valetin (RB/CB, Akron): Valetin is a local player, much like Hertzog. He played at center back for the Zips but has played mostly right back for the USMNT youth sides and is projected to play right back in the MLS. Because of that fact he does not seem likely to be drafted by the Union, already sporting Sheanon Williams at the position.

Projection: 4-9