Deshorn Brown was selected with the sixth overall pick by the Colorado Rapids in the 2013 MLS Superdraft. He was one of five Reading United players selected in this year’s Superdraft. Photo credit to Getty Images.
Reading United A.C., a member in the Player Development League and Philadelphia Union’s PDL partner, had five players selected in the 2013 Major League Soccer Superdraft. It is the most Reading players selected in a Superdraft. Previously, the most Reading players taken in a draft was four players in 2011.
Deshorn Brown was taken in the sixth pick by the Colorado Rapids, who were in need of a strong forward after the departure of Connor Casey and Omar Cummings. Brown was atop of the PDL with 13 goals in 2012.
Three picks later, Ryan Finley was taken by the Columbus Crew. Finley was a finalist for the 2012 MAC Hermann trophy and received Big East Player of the Year recognition. He played in eight games for Reading this past season, scoring two goals.
With the 22nd pick overall (the third pick of the second round), the New York Red Bulls selected Reading player and midfielder Ian Christianson. Christianson will help cover a much needed hole in the Red Bulls midfield. A senior from Georgetown University, he participated in nine matches with Reading during the 2012 campaign.
For the third straight year, the Union selected a Reading player in the Superdraft. In 2011, they selected Levi Houpeau, then chose Ray Gaddis in 2012. This year, midfielder Steven Okai was selected by John Hackworth and company. Okai played under Reading coach Brendan Burke for the last two seasons.
L.A. Galaxy selected Greg Cochrane with the last pick in the 2013 Superdraft. Cochrane can be a versatile midfield or defensive player for the Galaxy. He took part in 11 matches for Reading last season.
Great players have come out of Reading in the past and it will be interesting to see how these five players do in the MLS. Also, there is still a possibility a Reading player or two will be taken in Tuesday’s Supplemental Draft.
