Toronto FC went Canadian with their first pick of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft, selecting Combine MVP and Boston College standout Kyle Bekker with the No. 3 pick.
Bekker, who projects as a wide midfielder in MLS, had four standout years at BC and has also played at various levels of the Canadian youth national teams. Most recently, he helped guide Canada to a semifinal appearance in the Olympic qualifying tournament, including a victory over the United States.
“We felt going in that Kyle was the most pro-ready player in the combine and in the draft,” club president Kevin Payne told MLSsoccer.com. “I think he demonstrated that at the combine. He looked like a pro playing with a bunch of college guys. The games seemed relatively easy for him… Had we used the No. 1 pick, we would have used it on him.”
The Reds held the No. 3 pick after a trade with the Portland Timbers, their highest pick after trading away the No. 1 pick to the New England Revolution for the No. 4 pick, which they subsequently sent to the Vancouver Whitecaps.
“It’s exciting. We’re starting something new, and I’m excited to be there on the ground up, which is nice," Bekker said. "Hopefully we can do well and be there from the go, so to say.”
