The first two rounds of the 2019 Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft took place on Friday at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago, with three New Jersey natives being selected. Representing the Garden State were Anderson Asiedu (Atlanta United FC), Marcello Borges (Colorado Rapids) and Tommy McCabe (FC Cincinnati).
A native of Hoboken, Asiedu was taken with the no. 24 overall pick in the first round by reigning MLS champion Atlanta United FC. He played his club soccer at PDA and was also a 2014 National Champion with St. Benedict’s Prep. The midfielder then started his college career at Monmouth University before making the move to UCLA before his junior season. Over two seasons at UCLA, Asiedu registered three goals and four assists to earn an invitation to the 2019 MLS Combine.
The Colorado Rapids made Borges an early second round selection with the no. 28 pick in the MLS SuperDraft. Growing up in Kearny, he played his club soccer for the New York Red Bulls Academy before committing to the University of Michigan. Over his four years in Ann Arbor, the defender contributed 10 assists to the Wolverines attack in 61 appearances. Internationally, Borges has competed at the U-18 and U-20 level for the U.S. Men’s National Team.
McCabe was taken with the no. 29 overall selection in the second round of the MLS SuperDraft by FC Cincinnati. After playing his club soccer at PDA, the South Orange native competed collegiately at the University of Notre Dame, where he recorded four assists during his time with the Fighting Irish. Internationally, he also suited up for the U.S. U-17 Men’s National Team at the 2015 U-17 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
Overall, it was a very good week for players from the Garden State. On Thursday afternoon, four New Jersey natives were selected in the 2019 National Women’s Soccer League Draft.
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