The MLS SuperDraft is the most exciting event in the lives of every young North American college soccer player.
With rounds one and two of the 2020 MLS SuperDraft getting underway tomorrow, Orlando City UK took this moment to review how Orlando City SC‘s annual picks have fared since our inaugural 2015 season.
How will the 2020 MLS SuperDraft work?
This year’s draft is taking place with a jointly produced Major League Soccer and ESPN show, and the event will be streamed live on Twitter.
This way, MLS enthusiasts can gain new and improved access including real-time highlights and live look-ins on club draft rooms in an immersive experience.
Taking place at 4:30pm (UK) / 12:30pm (US) tomorrow, rounds three and four will take place via conference call on January 13.
What picks do Orlando City SC have?
With the order of Orlando City SC‘s 2020 MLS SuperDraft picks already determined, Oscar Pareja‘s Lions will have the fifth pick in Round 1.
With picks determined by league positioning in 2019, the Lions will secure one of North America’s most sought-after college talents.
Additionally, City will have the 31st, 39th and 44th picks in Round 2, the 57th pick in Round 3, and the 83rd pick in Round 4.
As is customary in Major League Soccer, new boys Inter Miami and Nashville SC will have the first two picks – in other words the cream of the crop of North American college talent.
For full rules and regulations relating to the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, click here.
Reviewing Orlando City SC’s MLS SuperDraft picks so far
Without further ado, here are the young talents Orlando City SC have acquired via the MLS SuperDraft over the past five seasons.
2015 MLS SuperDraft – Orlando City SC’s picks
Cyle Larin – 1st pick (Round 1)
Cyle Larin is quite simply Orlando City SC‘s finest MLS SuperDraft pick to date. Despite being the number one pick in 2015, the Canadian international surpassed all expectations.
Scoring 43 MLS goals for the Lions before a highly controversial switch to Beşiktaş in January 2018, Larin is right up there alongside Julian Gressel, Jack Harrison, Miles Robinson and Tim Parker in being one of the standout talents drafted from college in recent years.
Conor Donovan – 22nd pick (Round 2)
Making his MLS debut for Orlando City SC against Philadelphia Union in August 2015, an anterior cruciate ligament injury in the same game stunted Conor Donovan‘s Lions career before it barely begun.
His only MLS appearance for the Lions, Donovan now plays for USL Championship side North Carolina FC in his home state.
Akeil Barrett – 25th pick (Round 2)
Orlando City SC supporters are probably shouting “who?” and that’s because Akeil Barrett never played a game for the Lions!
The Jamaican forward was the Lions’ 25th pick in 2015 but was waived shortly after.
Earl Edwards Jr. – 43rd pick (Round 3)
Affectionately nicknamed “The Landlord” during his three seasons at Orlando City SC, Earl Edwards Jr. was firmly cast in the role of backup goalkeeper for the Lions.
Making his professional debut against Charleston Battery in a crazy U.S. Open Cup game 4-4 (A.E.T) (7-8 on penalties) in June 2015, Edwards Jr. did go on to make six MLS appearances for Orlando City SC.
He now plays for D.C. United as a deputy to Bill Hamid.
Sidney Rivera – 63rd pick (Round 4)
Dig out your inaugural season posters for this one because Sidney Rivera wasn’t an Orlando City SC player for long.
Taking squad number 26 during City’s first ever MLS campaign, the Staten Island native never made a single appearance under Adrian Heath.
2016 MLS SuperDraft – Orlando City SC’s picks
Richie Laryea – 7th pick (Round 1)
A case of the one that got away, Richie Laryea enjoyed a standout 2019 playing for hometown side Toronto FC in their run to the 2019 MLS Cup Final.
This followed three seasons at Orlando City SC where he was a bit-part sub. Who knew he could do a job at full back? Greg Vanney, that’s for sure!
Hadji Barry – 13th pick (Round 1)
Now a senior international for Guinea, Hadji Barry was Orlando City SC‘s 13th pick in 2016.
A familiar face, Barry had been playing for Orlando City U-23 in 2015 but unfortunately, he never got a consistent run in the team.
Making 11 appearances for City’s first team, much of his game time came for Orlando City B where he struck 14 goals in 29 appearances.
Antonio Matarazzo – 48th pick (Round 3)
Again, a player who never made a first team appearance for Orlando City SC, midfielder Antonio Matarazzo last played for New York Cosmos B.
Tobenna Uzo – 68th pick (Round 4)
Just like Matarazzo, Tobenna Uzo never made it at Orlando City SC. The striker now plays in the USL Championship with FC Tulsa.
2017 MLS SuperDraft – Orlando City SC’s pick
Danny Deakin – 64th pick (Round 4)
Running an exclusive interview with the Englishman in March 2017, Danny Deakin unfortunately didn’t make a first team appearance for Orlando City SC.
Instead, the Sheffield-born midfielder made 20 appearances for Anthony Pulis‘ Orlando City B.
2018 MLS SuperDraft – Orlando City SC’s pick
Chris Mueller – 6th pick (Round 1)
Orlando City SC‘s second most successful MLS SuperDraft selection after Cyle Larin, Chris Mueller is quite simply a fan favourite at Exploria Stadium.
Making 61 MLS appearances for the Lions since 2018, “Cash” knows he needs to add more goals to his game but his never-say-die attitude, love for the city and community work means the Illinois-native is adored in Central Florida.
2019 MLS SuperDraft – Orlando City SC’s picks
Santiago Patiño – 3rd pick (Round 1)
The second highest pick Orlando City SC has received following Cyle Larin‘s number one pick in 2015, Santiago Patiño was the third overall pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
With plenty more to come from the Colombian-born striker who was raised in Orlando, the 22-year-old will look to build on his 11 appearances and two goals registered in 2019.
Kamal Miller – 27th pick (Round 2)
A success story considering Orlando City SC‘s picked him up 27th overall in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, Kamal Miller is now a fully fledged Canadian international.
Running an exclusive interview with Miller in August 2019, the defender made 16 MLS appearances under James O’Connor last season, earned four caps for the senior CANMNT, and was a part of their 2019 Gold Cup squad too.
Tommy Madden – 38th pick (Round 3)
Now playing for New Mexico United of the USL Championship, Tommy Madden never kicked a ball for Orlando City SC after being drafted by the Lions last year.
Scott DeVoss – 59th pick (Round 3)
Just like Madden, Scott DeVoss never made it at Orlando City SC and has been playing at USL level for Hartford Athletic and FC Tucson since his 2019 draft.