2020 MLS SuperDraft Recap

On Thursday January 9^th, 2020, Major League Soccer conducted the first two rounds of their annual SuperDraft, which saw 52 college prospects take the next step on their journey to become professional soccer players. The Revs entered the draft with a total of four picks with the 6^th, 13^th, 30^th, and 43^rd overall selections. As it stands now the Revs don’t have any selections in the 3rd or 4th rounds, but they were able to build some organizational depth on the defensive end with newcomers who will more than likely be a part of Revolution II’s core in the 2020 season.

6^th Overall: Henry Kessler (CB – Virginia)

With the 6^th overall pick, Bruce Arena looked back to alma mater UVA and selected 6’4 center back Henry Kessler. Kessler, who was once a part of the New York Red Bull academy and Beachside SC, spent 3 seasons with the Cavaliers. Over those three seasons, Kessler clocked over 4,000 minutes, and notched his first collegiate goal against Duke back in September. During his time at UVA, Kessler earned Third Team All-ACC honors and a Second Team United Soccer Coaches All-Region selection. Kessler earned the 6^th spot on Top Drawer Soccer’s top 100 list. Overall, the newcomer offers a solid defensive presence on the field and has a lot to offer to the organization. It appears that the Revs may have considering trading up to get their man, but Arena was more more than happy to select him when Kessler’s name still on the board when it was time for the Revs to select at number 6.

13^th Overall: General Allocated Money ($ - Bank)

With the 13^th overall pick, the Revs were able to make the steal of the draft as they selected $100,000 in GAM! Well not really. If it were only that easy. The Revs traded the 13^th overall pick to expansion side Nashville SC, who in turn selected keeper Elliot Panicco. In return, the Revs received $50,000 in GAM plus an additional $50,000 in conditional GAM. Overall, a good deal. An additional $100,000 can do no harm to any club!

30^th Overall: Simon Lekressner (RB – California)

With the 30^th overall selection, the Revs added depth to the right back position by selecting California defender Simon Lekressner. Lekressner was once a 4-star prospect on Top Drawer Soccer. Lekressner also attended a U-19 camp. The 5’8 defender was also named United States Development Academy Player of the Year for the West region in 2014, and a Best XI spot in 2015. Over his four seasons with the Golden Bears, Lekressner played over 4,100 minutes and was able to notch 8 goals and 5 assists. Lekressner will be able to provide the Revs with crucial depth at the right back position and will be an asset to the organization.

43^rd Overall: Keegan Meyer (GK – High Point)

The Revs used the 43^rd overall pick to add some needed depth at the goalkeeper position. During his time with High Point, Meyer amassed a school record 27 clean sheets, and 239 saves over the course of his 5,284 minutes on the pitch. With the addition, Meyer adds some youth to the group of goalkeepers and should compete to be the number one keeper for Revs II.

Check back on Friday to see more of our thoughts on the draft, and as always leave your thoughts in the comment section!