The San Jose Earthquakes selected Sam Garza with the No. 6 pick of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. Garza could very well be a starter with the Earthquakes from Day 1 and the Generation Adidas player should feel perfectly comfortable out wide.
MLS Draft 2012: San Jose Earthquakes Select Sam Garza With No. 6 Pick
Garza is the prototypical winger who can hug the touchline fly into the attacking third. Blessed with great pace, Garza was actually primarily a forward at UC Santa Barbara, where he scored he scored 17 goals and added 10 assists in two years, but he projects as a winger in the pros and can play on either wing. That type of versatility gives him added value, as does his aforementioned pace, but he also possesses good skill on the ball that allows him to get past defenders with more than just pace.
The one downside about Garza is that he may not be ready to step in and make a big impact from the start, although his MLS Combine performance eased some of those concerns. He has some improving to do, which is why his Generation adidas status is so important. The Earthquakes can bring him along a little slower if need be as he develops without feeling the need to press him into action.
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