Head coach Jay Heaps hasn’t had a lot of success with the MLS SuperDraft since becoming head coach. In his two years at the helm, Heaps has made ten picks with only Andrew Farrell, Kelyn Rowe and Luis Soffner still occupying roster spots. Although the players that remain on the Revolution squad have a lot of potential and two are already contributing significant minutes, the Revs will hope to have more success in the 2014 SuperDraft, an event at which they have four picks (12th, 19th, 31st and 50th overall).
With most of the team’s starters returning in 2014, it’s difficult to calculate Heaps’ mindset. He could use the picks to address glaring needs (primarily forwards and true wingers) or he could opt to select the best available player. The Revs will arrive in Philadelphia with 21 players on the roster, two free international slots and four SuperDraft picks.
Below are five players that might intrigue Heaps and company.
1. Steve Neumann, Forward
Draft Projections (as of 1/7/2014): 6th (Top Drawer Soccer), 12th (Soccer by Ives), 18th (MLSSoccer.com)
Biography: Steve Neumann enters the SuperDraft after four successful years at Georgetown. The Pennsylvania native typically plays forward but has seen time in the midfield. Neaumann gained national attention in 2012 when he was named a MAC Hermann semifinalist and the College Cup Offensive Player of the Year. His most impressive performance from the College Cup came during a semifinals match against Maryland in which he scored his first-ever hat trick. In 2013, Neaumann was recognized as the Big East Offensive Player of the Year after accruing 26 points through ten goals and six assists. He served as captain for two years.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: The Revs need more forwards and Neumann is one of the best options in the draft. During his four years as a Hoya, the 6’0 striker never fell below ten goals with his best year coming in 2011 when he scored 11. He has also shown the ability to set up others, recording a career-high of 13 assists in 2012 and a career-low of six in 2013. Neumann doesn’t have the size or strength to be a classic striker but he does have consistency, a trait that could make the transition to MLS a successful one.
Despite being ranked highly in most draft big boards, Neumann could fall because it’s uncertain whether he will be forward or a midfielder in MLS. While the ambiguity may be unappealing for some, the Revs could see value in Neumann’s versatility. Juan Agudelo’s success in New England was largely linked with his ability to seamlessly move from the wing to the center at various points during the game. Although he was mostly used as a second forward or an attacking midfielder, Neumann could develop similar flexibility.
Neumann could also help improve one of the Revolution’s biggest weaknesses: set pieces. In 2013, the Revs were so desperate to find a remedy to their set piece woes that Saer Sene and Diego Fagundez were spotted lining up over the ball. Not much improved, however, which means that Heaps will need to bring someone in. Neumann has the ability to deliver quality balls, especially from the corner.
More on Neumann:
College Sports Madness Profile
2. Mackenzie Pridham, Forward
Draft Projections (as of 1/7/2014): 12th (MLSSoccer.com), 15th (Top Drawer Soccer), 32nd (Soccer by Ives)
Biography: Pridham joins the draft class of 2014 after four successful years at Cal Poly. The Canadian was named the Big West Conference Offensive Player of the Year for the past two seasons. He finished 2012 with 11 goals and in 2013 he ranked second in the country with 14 goals, including three multi-goal performances. He’s a natural leader and served as captain during his senior year.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: The Revs need forwards and Pridham is as prolific as they come. After mundane freshmen and sophomore years, Pridham established himself as one of the best strikers in the college game. The forward stands at 6’1 and weighs 180 which makes him a daunting character on the pitch. Pridham is an out-in-out striker who does his best work within the penalty box. He’s also capable of hitting an accurate shot with either foot.
Pridham has already attracted the attention of many. The striker appeared in several youth camps for the Canadian National Team and spent six weeks training with Toronto FC prior to his senior year. With so many eyes on Pridham, it’s likely that he’s on Heaps’ radar. It should be noted that Pridham holds a green card which means that he wouldn’t account for an international slot.
Pridham has proven to be a durable player. After his freshmen year, the former Mustang was forced to undergo ankle surgery, an operation that forced him to redshirt for a season. Pridham experienced a full recovery and collected some notable awards while becoming one of the best strikers in the Big West. Pridham’s successful recovery could be viewed as an asset for the Revs, who have seen some players struggle with lingering injuries.
More on Pridham:
3. Eric Miller, Defender, Generation Adidas
Draft Projections (as of 1/7/2014): 7th (Soccer by Ives), 8th (Top Drawer Soccer), 9th (MLSSoccer.com)
Biography: Over the course of three years at Creighton, Miller spent time as both a right midfielder and a right defender while starting 62 of 63 games. The Minnesota native collected 12 career points with four goals and four assists. He had his best offensive production during his junior year when he scored three goals and added one assist. Miller is a member of the United States Under-20 Men’s National Team and was a part of the U-20 World Cup in Turkey, though he didn’t see a minute of action.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: Miller is projected as a top ten pick and Heaps would have a hard time overlooking him if he falls. Miller has a lot of potential as evident by his collegiate accolades and his frequent call-ups to the US youth teams. The Revolution’s record-breaking defensive core will be returning in 2014, which means that Miller would have time to adjust to life as a professional. Miller is arguably the best outside back in the draft and he could certainly develop under the tutelage of Jose Goncalves. If Miller does develop into a suitable MLS player, Farrell could make the oft mentioned move to the center.
The Revs current formation requires the outside backs to get forward to create width. Chris Tierney had a career year in 2013 as he chipped in one goal and five assists while locking down the left flank. Andrew Farrell, who exceeded all expectations defensively, struggled in the offensive third and only offered one assist. With experience as both a midfielder and a defender, Miller is expected to be an attacking outside back in MLS. His affinity to overlap and get forward would allow the Revs to continue to play their current style.
Like Neumann, Miller is a member of the 2014 Generation Adidas class. This means that Miller won’t count against the salary cap, which is always an important consideration in MLS. With the defensive nucleus already established, Miller could serve as cheap depth that might develop into a future contributor.
More on Miller:
4. Nikita Kotlov, Midfielder
Draft Projections (as of 1/7/2014): 13th (Soccer by Ives), 22nd (Top Drawer Soccer), not in the top 19 (MLSSoccer.com)
Biography: The Indiana University graduate finished his collegiate career with 26 goals and 14 assists. His best year came in 2012 when he had four assists and nine goals, including a game-winner strike against Georgetown in the College Cup final. Kotlov’s efforts didn’t go unnoticed as he was named to the College Cup All-Tournament and the All-Big Ten Second Team. The Tennessee native saw a dip in form in 2013 with only 5 goals and 3 assists. He was, however, named the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after a goal and an assist against Northwestern.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: With many starters returning from 2013, the Revs’ don’t have a lot of critical needs. They could, however, use reinforcements on the flanks and Kotlov is one of the better wing options available in the draft. With Donnie Smith and Ryan Guy off the team, Kotlov would be a great option to have if the Revs decide to play with some width in the midfield. The former Hoosier is left-footed but he has played on both sides of the midfield.
Kotlov is a two-way player who is just as active on defense as he is on offense. While Heaps encourages an active and fluid attack, he’s also an advocate for team-wide defense. Kotlov understands both responsibilities and will certainly put forth tireless shifts. The 5’9 midfielder is a raw product in his current form but he has been recognized as a player with great dedication and hustle. Heaps, who often performed above his skillset, could see the benefits of picking up this workhorse.
It should be noted that Kotlov is effective with throw-ins. Similar to Barnes, Kotlov can hurl the ball into the penalty box, which makes his throw-ins just as lethal as free kicks. The Revs haven’t relied much on long throw-ins since the Nicol Era but having the weapon in your arsenal isn’t a bad thing.
More on Kotlov:
College Sports Madness Profile
5. JJ Koval, Midfielder
Draft Projections (as of 1/7/2014): 9th (Top Drawer Soccer), 14th (MLSSoccer.com), 28th (Soccer by Ives)
Biography: Koval will leave Stanford after making 53 appearances over the course of four years. The California-born holding midfielder was named to the All-Pac-12 First Team in 2013 after being chosen as an honorable mention in 2012. Typically seen protecting the backline, Koval can contribute offensively as evident by his six goals and four assists.
Why he’s Attractive to the Revs: Koval is a pure defensive midfielder in the vein of former Revolution player Jeff Larentowicz. The 6’1 midfielder is a physical presence on the field and he doesn’t shy away from making a tackle. More than a ball-winner, Koval likes to hold possession and ignite the attack. Although Scott Caldwell had a stellar rookie season as the team’s first-choice defensive midfielder, there were times when his short stature affected the game. Koval could develop into the hardnosed DM that the team needs.
Koval is most complimented on his ability to win the ball in the air. Previously an area of weakness, Koval worked hard to improve this aspect of his game and he’s now listed among the best ball-winners in the college game. Koval’s aerial strength would be an advantage on set pieces, a constant flaw for the Revs. Furthermore, his capacity to identify and improve upon weaknesses will be endearing to Heaps.
Serving as the team captain during his senior year, Koval clearly earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. Koval is a vocal presence that likes to keep the team organized and the ball moving. Having a positive locker room is important to Heaps and the addition of Koval will help maintain the status quo.
More on Koval:
(Pictures of courtesy of MLSSoccer.com)
