With the 2011 MLS SuperDraft over and done with, analysts have already begun to break down the winners and losers. As with any draft, there were teams that reached for players, teams that gave up too much in trades and teams that cam away with steals. The Seattle Sounders made it out the other side with five players, all of which they were predictably happy with.
Although it wasn’t a flashy draft for Seattle, the players added filled needs. The trade with the Portland Timbers, giving Seattle a bump in allocation money, was shrewd, and filled another immediate need. General manager Adrian Hanauer said the Sounders were bone-dry when it came to allocation money, so the draft-day trade replenished the stock, allowing the front office to pay down the salary cap.
Over at MLS Soccer’s official website, Simon Borg gave the Sounders a thumbs-up, praising the depth added in the MLS SuperDraft. Seattle was listed as a winner in his book, along with consensus winner Houston.
Sigi Schmid came away with a total of five players, tied for most in the SuperDraft and depth should not be an issue in 2011. They now have quality insurance at left back (Michael Tetteh), defensive midfield (Servando Carrasco) and attacking midfield (Alex Caskey), while also taking a goalkeeper who is said to be cut from the Tony Meola mold (Bryan Merideth).
Not bad for a day's work.
For more on the Sounders, check out SB Nation's Sounder At Heart.