There’s a stark lack of dynamic, attacking talent available in this year’s SuperDraft. While other areas of the field run five to six players deep, there are a lot of holes in the attacking crop. Simply put, teams are going to have to look elsewhere for goals when stocking for this upcoming season.
That’s not to say there aren’t some intriguing options available, including one raw GA talent and one of college soccer’s best players of all time. How both of those players project at the pro level remains to be seen.
MLS Draft position rankings: Goalkeepers | Defenders | Midfielders
Here’s a look at the top 15 forwards from the rising crop of college talent.
1. Schillo Tshuma, Maryland*
Height: 5-10
Weight: 162 lbs
Career Stats: 49 games, 2,959 minutes, 16 goals, 3 assists
Tshuma failed to build on a strong freshman 2012 campaign, struggling for consistency last fall in Maryland’s march to the national title game. He’s got all the tools to be an impact player in MLS: pace, power and enough ability on the ball. His GA status nudges him to the top of the forward heap, slightly ahead of his more accomplished teammate.
2. Patrick Mullins, Maryland
Height: 6-1
Weight: 172 lbs
Career Stats: 92 games, 6,175 minutes, 47 goals, 25 assists
The left-footed forward wrapped up one of the most accomplished college soccer careers ever. Now, he’ll look to build on that by writing a new chapter in his career. The biggest question facing Mullins is both his position on the field at the pro level and how developed he is. As of now, he’d be an adequate player, but if he works to develop into more of a target striker and can add versatility to his game, he could end up being a star at this level.
3. Steve Neumann, Georgetown
Height: 6-0
Weight: 165 lbs
Career Stats: 86 games, 41 goals, 34 assists
Something of a tweener, Neumann enjoyed a standout career at Georgetown, helping turn the program into a soccer power. While he lacks natural athleticism, Neumann is a smart player who projects more as a No. 10 at the pro level. He can find pockets of space in dangerous positions on the field and if he ends up in the right situation, could enjoy a long and prosperous pro career.
