After being thrown a bit of a curveball when the Montreal Impact took Andrew Wenger No. 1, the Vancouver Whitecaps selected Darren Mattocks with the No. 2 overall pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. The pick is a bit of a surprise since forward seemed to be one of the few areas that the Whitecaps had some depth, but Mattocks could be used as a trade chip or, potentially, moved to more of a wide midfielder.
MLS Draft 2012: Vancouver Whitecaps Select Darren Mattocks With No. 2 Pick
Mattocks was clearly the best pure scorer available. His 39 goals over the past two seasons at Akron (just 47 matches) were easily the most in Division I soccer and scouts seemed to love his scoring touch and speed. At 6-foot-0, 165 pounds has the kind of body that should eventually adapt to MLS’s physical style.
As it is, Mattocks will probably want to put on a few pounds, but that’s probably not entirely necessary for him to succeed. His first touch is considered strong and he’s got decent enough passing skills for a player who will be expected to find the back of the net.
Mattocks' selection marks the fourth straight year that an Akron forward was selected within the first five picks of the MLS SuperDraft. He follows in the footsteps of Steve Zakuani (No. 1 in 2009), Teal Bunbury (No. 5 in 2010) and Darlington Nagbe (No. 2 in 2011).
Mattocks has been compared to fellow Jamaican Omar Cummings and team official would be thrilled if he can match that kind of production.
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