It continues to be a good year for Canadians in major North American sports leagues drafts. The 2015 MLS SuperDraft is in the books and history was made when Cyle Larin became the first Canadian to go first overall. That’s after Andrew Wiggins went first in the 2014 NBA Draft and Aaron Ekblad went first in the 2014 NHL Entry Draft.
With the SuperDraft, the focus has already turned to the immediate future and which players from this year’s rookie class will make an immediate impact with their new club. It’s no surprise that Larin has been talked about in that group as he looks to reward Orlando City SC for investing in him with their top pick. He can do that the best way he knows how, which is by scoring goals in the MLS. That’s why it’s no surprise that he’s in our top three of MLS rookies that are expected to contribute right off the bat.
Cyle Larin – Orlando City SC (F)
There was plenty of trade offers on the table when Orlando City went in to the MLS SuperDraft with the top pick in its back pocket but ultimately they decided the only option they could afford was to take Larin first overall and invest in him as a key piece to both their immediate and long term future. Larin is still just 19 years old but he is already 6 ft. 2 in., 190 pounds and there is no doubt he is ready to do what he does best with his new team. Larin scored 23 goals in 39 career games through two seasons at the University of Connecticut and now he gets a chance to bring his vision and finishing ability to a team that will desperately need him to play at a high level in Orlando City.
The good news for Larin is that Orlando City is the MLS’ 21st expansion team, so there won’t be a ton of pressure on him. The expectations for this team are relatively low as they enter the league, so he can just relax and play his game.
Tim Parker – Vancouver Whitecaps (D)
The 21-year-old defenseman from St. John’s University has spent four years developing in school and when Vancouver pulled the trigger and took him in the first round with the 13th overall pick, they made it clear they believe he can make an immediate impact. Coach Carl Robinson talked about how the team was very high on Parker from the beginning and one of the reasons for it is the fact that he can step right in to the lineup and upgrade the Whitecaps defensive core from the outset. On the surface, it may not seem like the shrewdest move as the Whitecaps allowed just 40 goals last season, which was third-fewest in the Western Conference and fourth-fewest overall. But the team is trying to fortify this area and make it foundation of success.
There weren’t many players that were available for Vancouver that would have been able to step right in but Parker’s experience and maturity helped him an easy selection as well as addressing a need on the back end.
Khiry Shelton – New York City FC (F)
New York City FC probably would have loved to select Larin but they have to be satisfied with the fact that they still got a talented striker that can come in and contribute right away with the second pick in the draft. Some considered Shelton the top senior available and his experience will help as he makes the transition from school to the pro level. A smart finisher that sees the field well, Shelton scored nine goals to go along with 12 assists over 18 games this past season. He’ll get a chance to prove his worth from the outset as a player that could push for a spot in the starting 11 depending on how rapidly he is able to get comfortable at the next level.
