The Top 10 MLS Draft Busts of All-Time
The Top 10 MLS Draft Busts of All-Time
By Arslan Saleem July 26, 2024 01:54
For MLS clubs looking to acquire new talent, the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft is critical, but it also sets the stage for inflated expectations that can spiral out of control. For many years, most high-profile draft picks have not measured up, earning a place in the annals of MLS history as one of the biggest busts ever. So, here are the ten biggest MLS draft busts in history, all of whom earned hype before the draft, and some of whom had successful seasons in the league, only to be mostly disappointing.
1. Ali Curtis 2001, Tampa Bay Mutiny
Ali Curtis was the second overall pick in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. High expectations came with a stellar college career that culminated with the 1999 Hermann Trophy. But Curtis mustered only eight goals across three seasons and could not assert himself in the top flight.
2. Jason Moore 1999, D.C. United
Speed was the main allure in Moore being chosen No. 1 overall. That being said, he turned out to be one of the biggest busts in the league of all time, totaling just one goal to go with 11 assists over a handful of seasons.
3. Jerson Monteiro 2007, Chicago Fire
Monteiro did not live up to the hype that surrounded him. He made few contributions to the Chicago Fire and eventually left the league after being cut to let Robbie Findley in. He was left unprotected after opting for Brad Evans to re-enter the stage.
4. Chris Gbandi 2002, Dallas Burn
Gbandi was the 1st overall pick in the 2002 draft, but his career was defined by missed picks, such as Taylor Twellman and Brad Davis, who went on to have successful careers in the league, whereas Gbandi did not.
5. Chris Carrieri, 2001 San Jose Earthquakes
Carrieri could have made better on his pledge to bring an A-League championship to San Jose. However, he was traded after only a few games, and he never fully got back on track in the league.
6. Joseph Ngwenya 2004, Los Angeles Galaxy
Forward Joseph Ngwenya, first-round pick who never played to his potential in MLS, putting up just 17 goals in 102 games.
7. Jason Garey 2006, Columbus Crew
Garey impressed in college, but his 15-goal total in five seasons for the Crew was not enough to justify other known players passed on by the team in the draft.
8. Steve Shak 2000, New York MetroStars
Shak was so-so for a first-round baller. His MLS career never lived up to billing, with limited playing time before being demoted to the minors.
9. Leo Cullen 1998, Miami Fusion
Although Cullen's career wasn't a complete bust, it didn't live up to the hype of other players in the 1998 draft. And with the likes of players drafted after him winning awards, his regular minutes with Miami and the Revolution weren't enough.
10. Nikolas Besagno 2005, Real Salt Lake
High expectations resulted from Besagno being the No. 1 pick at 16 years old, but the midfielder would only play eight MLS games before eventually leaving the league.
Key Takeaways and Lessons
These top 10 MLS draft busts further reinforce that, as unlikely as it may be, certain player simply may not reach their potential, and the prospects of identifying players who can translate their talents to the professional game still need to be determined. The failures of these picks further underscore the need for thorough scouting, well-designed player development programs, and the tempering of expectations for young prospects entering the league.
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