ESPN2 TO TELEVISE LIVE 2007 MLS SUPERDRAFT

     ESPN2 will present live coverage of the first hour of the 2007 Major League Soccer SuperDraft Friday, January 12 at 12 p.m. ET from the Indianapolis Convention Center, Ind.  Soccer play-by-play commentator Rob Stone will host with analyst Eric Wynalda and MLS Insider Allen Hopkins.  Friday?s telecast will be the first time the MLS SuperDraft will be presented live on an ESPN network.

            The SuperDraft is Major League Soccer's annual amateur player draft.  Primarily, it features collegiate and youth soccer prospects in the United States with graduating college seniors from NCAA schools making up a majority of the prospects.
 

Eric Wynalda's Top-Eight 2007 MLS Prospects:

Andrew Boyens - D/University of New Mexico - Dunedin, New Zealand

"My personal favorite, Boyens is very good in the air.  New Zealand U-23 National Soccer Team player, he is a perfect fit for any defense in the league.  He's a strong personality on- and off-the-field.  Best pick of the draft."
 

Bryan Byrne - M/University of California at Santa Barbara ? Castledermot, Ireland

"Very few players in this draft are North and South players or players who have purpose whenever they play.  Sure, it looks nice to keep the ball but everybody can do that.  Byrne wants to get it and go.  I love the attitude."
 

Nico Colaluca - F-MF/University of Virginia - Coventry, R.I.

"Overcoming perceptions about his temperament and periodic lapses in composure after getting a red card in the College Cup might be his greatest challenge entering the SuperDraft.  But Nico reminds me of Ben Olsen (DC United midfielder).  He has good speed, he is willing to take chances and he has a fighting spirit."
 

Maurice Edu - M/University of Maryland ? Fontana, Calif.

"Strong and fast, he has great ability to play off set pieces.  Though he has a tendency to be somewhat erratic playing closer to the goal, he is very effective from the midfield.?
 

Brad Evans - M/University of California at Irvine - Phoenix, Ariz.

"While hamstring injury during the MLS Combine might hurt his chances to go early in the SuperDraft, I am convinced Evans will be a great find.
 

Michael Harrington - D/University of North Carolina - Greenville, N.C.

"Harrington should have no problem making the transition to the pro game.  His size and pace make him a good find.  He is Versatile.  Going into Major League Soccer, I think he needs to find a niche and stick with it - maybe on the flanks as an attacking defender."
 

Jay Needham - D/Southern Methodist University - Forth Worth, Texas

"Solid defender, but he needs to make the jump to the professional level by his consistency as an impact player."
 

Chris Seitz - GK/University of Maryland (U20 U.S. Men's National Team) - San Luis Obispo, Calif.

"He is the next Joe Cannon (2006 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year ? his second in the past five seasons).  He is a proven talent and proven winner.  He has a definite future as U.S. National Team keeper."

-- MLS07 --