2023 MLS SuperDraft: What You Need to Know Ahead of Today’s Draft
Inter Miami CF is all set for the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft 2023 presented by adidas, which is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, December 21 at 5 p.m. ET.
Here’s what Inter Miami fans need to know ahead of the player selection event:
What’s the MLS SuperDraft, and how does it work?
The MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas is the method by which clubs around the league select top collegiate players to join their squads under professional contracts. In its earliest form, the MLS SuperDraft was the standard way for teams to add young talent to their rosters; as MLS clubs’ academies grow and improve, the SuperDraft presents an added opportunity for clubs to find talented players that flew under the radar at academy level.
Over the course of three rounds, teams will make their selections in reverse order of the 2022 regular season standings, while also taking into account postseason performances in the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs. Clubs can also make their selection out of the standard order if they have acquired picks from other clubs.
Who is eligible for selection?
Eligible players include college seniors, Generation adidas Players and players that have waived their college eligibility by signing to play in a domestic professional league. Here is the eligible player list, as well as the Generation adidas class list.
Which pick does Inter Miami have?
Inter Miami CF holds the following picks for the MLS SuperDraft 2023:
FIRST ROUND: 18th pick (18th overall)
SECOND ROUND: 18th pick (47th overall)
How can I tune in to the SuperDraft?
The MLS SuperDraft 2023 presented by adidas will be held on December 21 at 5 p.m. ET, with the Pre-Draft show streaming live on MLSsoccer.com, Youtube, Twitch, and Twitter beginning at 4:30 p.m. ET.
Fans can also follow Rounds 2 and 3 using the Draft Tracker, which updates every pick from every round in real time.
Notable Inter Miami MLS SuperDraft selections
Inter Miami CF has selected some notable talent previously in each one of its previous three MLS SuperDraft participations.
In the 2022 edition of the SuperDraft, Inter Miami selected defender Ryan Sailor, who was an instrumental member of the Inter Miami First Team during the 2022 season, with the ninth pick. The centerback registered 1,516 minutes over 22 games, 14 of which he started. Sailor notched 18 interceptions while maintaining a 87.4% passing rate throughout the year as the Herons clinched its second trip to the MLS Cup Playoffs.
Ahead of the 2021 season, Inter Miami selected centerback Aimé Mabika with its 26th overall pick, who went on to sign and captain Inter Miami CF II (then Fort Lauderdale CF). After making 14 appearances, all starts, playing 1,260 minutes, and even making two MLS appearances on short-term loans through Extreme Hardship, the Zambian international signed with the First Team before the 2022 MLS campaign. Mabika has proven to be a reliable defender for the Club, registering 1,025 minutes in the 2022 season, starting 13 of his 15 appearances, and providing an assist alongside a sterling 87.6% passing rate and 14 key interceptions.
The Club’s first-ever SuperDraft pick was forward Robbie Robinson with the first overall selection in the 2020 edition. Robinson has since added a dynamic option to the Herons’ offense, cutting an imposing figure in the wide areas of the pitch. He has registered 2,281 minutes of MLS action, scoring five times and assisting two goals over his career thus far.
The 2023 MLS SuperDraft rules and regulations are available HERE.
