Jan. 13, 2010
2010 MLS combine review - ESPN Soccernet
Almost a year to the day after Maryland's magical day at the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, a pair of Terps hope to take their collegiate success to the professional ranks when the 2010 MLS SuperDraft kicks off at 2 p.m. Thursday in Philadelphia.
Kevin Tangney and Drew Yates were two of 75 players invited to the 2010 adidas MLS Combine, which took place this week in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. The pair completed their decorated careers at Maryland in 2009, leading a youth-laden Terrapin squad all the way to the NCAA Elite Eight.
Tangney, who was part of Team Jabulani at this year's combine, overcame tremendous odds to become a mainstay in the Maryland backline in 2009. After battling through a pair of significant knee injuries, the Newtown, Pa., product served as co-captain of this year's team and notched Maryland's game-winner against then-No. 2 North Carolina. He ended his senior campaign with three goals and one assist while leading the Maryland defense to nine shutouts. For his efforts, he was named NSCAA First Team All-Atlantic South Region as well as Second Team All-ACC. Tangney was a part of both the 2005 and the 2008 national championship squads.
Yates looked to boost his draft status as a member of Team F50i at the combine. The Severna Park, Md., native played in all 92 matches during his four-year stint in College Park. He ended his career with 14 goals, including three game-winners, while leading the Terps to trips to at least the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Tournament all four years, highlighted by a national title run in 2008. As a senior, he picked up Second Team All-Atlantic South Region honors and was tabbed a Second Team All-ACC selection.
Maryland became one of only two programs ever to have three players selected in the first round of the draft in 2009 as Omar Gonzalez (L.A. Galaxy) was chosen third, Rodney Wallace (D.C. United) went sixth and Jeremy Hall (New York Red Bull) wrapped up the Terps tremendous opening round after being drafted 11th. A.J. Delagarza (L.A. Galaxy) and Graham Zusi (Kansas City Wizards) were picked up in the second round, going 19th and 23rd, respectively. Gonzalez went on to become Maryland's second MLS Rookie of the Year in the last three seasons.
The first hour of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft will be broadcast live on ESPN2; the remainder of the draft can be followed on MLSnet.com.
The 2010 MLS season officially kicks off March 25 at 9 p.m. when former Maryland assistant coach Rob Vartughian and MLS's newest addition, the Philadelphia Union, battle Seattle Sounders FC. That game will be shown on ESPN 2 and ESPN Deportes.
