2012 SB Nation Mock MLS SuperDraft: Sporting KC Selects Luis Silva, Miguel Ibarra
My initial thought going into the mock draft was basically to select the best player available, provided that it wasn’t at the following positions: goalkeeper, fullback and striker. I feel that Sporting Kansas City is already set at those positions. I did have my eye on the center back position specifically in the first round, as I thought that perhaps a player such as Louisville’s Austin Berry, or more surprisingly, UNC’s Matt Hedges may fall to me at 16. When both players ended up being drafted with the 11th and 12th picks, I started focusing in on Silva, who I was actually very surprised was still on the board as my selection was coming up.
A player creative player like Silva could play a role for Sporting Kansas City in his first year, even if it’s strictly as a role player. Besides Graham Zusi, Kansas City is lacking a player in the midfield that can find his teammates on a consistent basis. Silva, even if he has only a minimal impact in 2012, may be able to become that player for Sporting in the near future.
30. Sporting: Miguel Ibarra, MF, UCIrvine
After selecting Silva with the first-round selection, I really had my eye on potential central defenders, but much like in the first round, a talented player at another position that could provide depth fell to me. Ibarra can play out wide, and depth out there is definitely a problem for the club. Kei Kamara and Bobby Convey are the likely starters, but there's hardly no depth to speak of outside of them. Ibarra could amend that problem for Sporting Kansas City.
Ibarra is quick, and is good with the ball at his feet. I would imagine that type of player could flourish in Sporting head coach Peter Vermes’ up-tempo style.
I didn’t end up nabbing the center back I was initially looking for in the two round mock draft, but ultimately, I feel I was able to pick up two players that fill needs for the club. Depth in the KC midfield and out wide will help Sporting take the next step towards bringing the MLS Cup to Kansas City.
These picks were made by Justin Mayhugh, managing editor of Sporting KC blog The Daily Wiz.
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