On January 14, D.C. United have the thirteenth pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft. The Black-and-Red also hold three picks in the fourth round (67, 74 and 79). Here’s a look back at some of the most recent successful draftees on the United roster.
Steven Birnbaum
The University of California defender was selected with the second overall pick in the 2014 draft, and lived up to the high billing. He played in 21 MLS matches in his first season (all starts) and finished runner-up as MLS Rookie of the Year. In his second professional season, Birnbaum started 21 matches, and is currently training with the U.S. Men’s National Team in California.
Taylor Kemp
Another defender, this time from the University of Maryland, Kemp was selected with the 17th pick in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. The left back has matured in his three years in the league, doubling his number of starts each year. In 2015, he started 25 matches and was second on the team in assists with 6. He scored one of the goals of the year against Real Salt Lake on August 1.
Nick DeLeon
A versatile midfielder, DeLeon was drafted seventh overall in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft out of the University of Louisville. He scored a D.C. United rookie record six goals in 2012, and was runner-up for MLS Rookie of the Year. He started his 100th MLS match in 2015 against Columbus Crew SC and has 12 career goals and 15 assists.
