The Colorado Rapids had relatively few picks in the MLS SuperDraft with four. But they did well with those picks, adding depth to their squad.
"We knew going in that there was a short list of players that can make an immediate difference on these teams," Rapids head coach Fernando Clavijo said. "We were pleased that Ciaran O'Brien was available at no. 5. He's a left-sided and quick player. We're looking for that level of talent."
O'Brien, a Generation adidas member, had a strong sophomore campaign at the University of California-Santa Barbara. He started all 21 games for the Gauchos and tallied seven goals and 11 assists, leading the Big West in scoring. He was named Big West Midfielder of the Year for his performance. As a freshman, O'Brien played at University of San Diego. He played in 19 games and registered six goals and four assists.
"It's a great feeling to be drafted," O'Brien said. "There was a lot of suspense. Going to Colorado is definitely a surprise. It should be great."
O'Brien grew up in Tacoma, Washington. He is from a long-line of soccer players, including brother Leighton, who played in MLS and is now with the Seattle Sounders. O'Brien's father Fran represented the Republic of Ireland in four matches. He joined the North American Soccer League in 1978, playing for the Philadelphia Fury, Montreal Maniac, Vancouver Whitecaps. After the NASL disbanded, Fran O'Brien played with the Dallas Sidekicks of the Major Indoor Soccer League.
"I trained with the Sounders growing up and played with my big brother," O'Brien said. "I feel I'm ready for this challenge."
Colorado added a midfielder/forward with their second pick of the afternoon (No. 36 overall), selecting Southern Methodist University's Adrian Chevannes. In his junior year with the Mustangs, he was the second-leading scorer on the squad with six goals and six assists. All in all he tallied 13 goals and 10 assists in 74 games.
Wrapping up the day, the Rapids selected Brian Grazier and Scott Campbell with the No. 47 and No. 49 picks respectively. Grazier, a midfielder at St. Louis, was a constant starter for the Billikens. Campbell played in 53 games for North Carolina with 15 goals and 13 assists. He's a versatile midfielder that will give the Rapids options.
"We've had the best reserve team for the past two seasons," Clavijo said. "But we feel the other three players can contribute. We'll see what happens. We're ready to get started."
Kathryn L. Knapp is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
