MLS SuperDraft: Why the Rise of Youth Academies Causes the Draft To Be Obsolete

Earlier last month, D.C. United signed University of Maryland prospect Ethan White on a youth development contract, allowing White to bypass this month's SuperDraft, and to sign with the Black-and-Red's first team squad, with Major League Soccer paying for his contract.

It is not only White, either. The United's rivals from up the I-95 corridor are in the same process, also with a fellow Maryland Terrapin. Maryland junior midfielder Matt Kassel has signed with Red Bull New York on a youth development contract as well, thus making him ineligible for the draft.


Earlier this week, there was an article from MLSSoccer.com questioning whether this rise of youth academies will make college soccer for subpar players. With the rise of stars such as Tim Ream, Steve Zakuani and Danny Mwanga thrown into the argument, it reassures that college soccer (for the time being) will be a critical piece of developing American stars, whether they start their careers domestically or intern...

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