By @SAdyson
The MLS SuperDraft is underway, and you can track it here.
Normally, as Hounds fans, we’d be rather apathetic towards the SuperDraft. But with the recent affiliation between the Hounds and the Houston Dynamo, we have been paying closer attention to this year’s draft.
Although it’s highly unlikely that the player selected in round one–and maybe even round two–would be loaned to the Hounds this season, it is still worth looking at the young talent that Houston has added to its roster.
ROUND 1, PICK #16
A.J. Cochran
Defender, Wisconson
Bio | Highlights | Highlights
Scouting report from Top Drawer Soccer:
“The 2013 Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, Cochran is a big boy, listed at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds. He may not have the same kind of athleticism as Dean, but he’s obviously great in the air, keeps things simple and is decent enough on the ball. How he copes with the step up in game speed is likely to dictate his success, as he could be beat by quicker, veteran attackers on the turn.
Similar to Dean, he’s also a left footed center back who will need some time to develop. At the right team and with a veteran center back beside him, he could blossom into a starter a year or two down the road.”
ROUND 2, PICK #32
Mark Sherrod
Foward, Memphis
Scouting report from MLS.com:
“Mark Sherrod is a 6’3″ forward out of Memphis University. He played in and started in all 18 matches at forward for the Tigers and ranks third in school history in career goals (42) and career points (96).”
OUR TAKE: At this point, it’s anyone’s guess as to whether one or both of these players may join the Hounds this season.
Considering Houston has been thin at defense, it seems as though Cochran is likely to stay with the pro roster.
If Sherrod were loaned to the Hounds, he would provide a larger body up front. Although the Hounds signed Joseph Ngwenya this offseason and may see Jhonny Arteaga return to his prior form, Sherrod’s knack for finishing set pieces would be an excellent compliment to Angulo’s north-south, physical playing style.
Rounds three and four take place on Tuesday, January 21st. Hold on to your butts.
#UNLEASH
