SuperDraft: No. 1 overall picks have a checkered history of success in MLS

<strong>Year</strong>

<strong>Club</strong>

<strong>Player</strong>

<b>What&#39;s His Story?</b>

1996

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/sportingkc_logo.png" style="width: 40px; height: 44px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/mckeon.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 113px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/matt-mckeon">Matt McKeon, D, St. Louis</a>

<p>The first No. 1 pick in the College Draft, McKeon put together a respectable seven-year career with 172 MLS appearances, six of those with Kansas City. His best year came in 2000, when he contributed three goals and 11 assists in 30 regular-seson starts and started all seven of KC&#39;s playoff games en route to the team&#39;s MLS Cup/Supporters&#39; Shield double.&nbsp;</p>

1997

<img alt=" " src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/436_200x200.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; height: 40px; width: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/tahj-jakins.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 74px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/tahj-jakins" target="_blank">Tahj Jakins, D, UCLA</a>

<p>Made 61 appearances for the Rapids before joining McKeon on the Wizards midway through 2000, just in time for their MLS Cup run, but made only 12 appearances before finishing his time in MLS after the 2001 season.</p>

1998

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Fusion%20Logo.png" style="width: 40px; height: 24px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/567741.jpeg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/leo-cullen" target="_blank">Leo Cullen, D, Maryland</a>

<p>The first College Draft pick for the expansion Fusion, Cullen made 93 appearances over his first three-and-a-half seasons for Miami before being traded to New England midway through 2001. Left the Revs in 2003 to pursue his college degree, but returned to MLS for one final season in 2005 with the Colorado Rapids. Finished with three goals and 11 assists in 166 MLS appearances and three caps for the USMNT from 1999-2002.</p>

1999

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/dc_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/Jason-Moore.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 77px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/jason-moore" target="_blank">Jason Moore, M, Virginia</a>

<p>Traded to Colorado after one season, Moore made 46 starts over two years with the Rapids before featuring in a reserve role for Chicago in 2002 and New England in 2003. Moore finished his MLS career with a goal and 11 assists in 92 appearances.</p>

2000

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-newyork_150.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/2012618385_0c8d32dc20_t.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 100px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/steve-shak" target="_blank">Steve Shak, D, UCLA</a>

<p>The then-MetroStars picked Shak over such other defenders as&nbsp;<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/carlos-bocanegra" target="_blank">Carlos Bocanegra</a>, <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/danny-califf" target="_blank">Danny Califf</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/nick-garcia" target="_blank">Nick Garcia</a>, but he was traded to Colorado midway through 2001 and played in only six more MLS games before forging a career in the lower divisions.</p>

2001

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/SJEQ_Logo_200.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/146635_chris_carrieri.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 75px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chris-carrieri" target="_blank">Chris Carrieri, M, North Carolina/Project-40</a>

<p>Carrieri didn&#39;t even make it a season with the Quakes, who traded him to Colorado after five substitute appearances. He put together a productive two-and-a-half seasons with the Rapids, netting all of his career 19 goals and 17 asssists over 69 appearances, but featured only once more in MLS after that, in 2004 with the Chicago Fire.</p>

2002

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/1903_200x200.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chris-gbandi" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/1145917.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 97px;"></a><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chris-gbandi" target="_blank">Chris Gbandi, D, Connecticut</a>

<p>After missing his entire rookie season with an ACL injury, this outside back from Liberia put together a very respectable career with Dallas. He registered 111 appearances in six years before a two-year stint in Norway. One cap for the Liberian national team.</p>

2003

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/dc_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/esky.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 103px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/alecko-eskandarian" target="_blank">Alecko Eskandarian, F, Virginia/Project-40</a>

<p>We&#39;re still waiting on a No. 1 pick to win the league MVP award, but Eskandarian remains the only one to win MLS Cup MVP honors after scoring two goals in the to lead United to the 2004 title. Totaled 20 goals in 81 regular-season appearances for United and also spent time with Toronto, Real Salt Lake, Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy. Was forced to retire at age 27 due to concussions, finishing his professional career with 30 goals in 125 MLS games and one cap for the US national team.</p>

2004

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/dc_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/REUA_188188.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 115px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/freddy-adu" target="_blank">Freddy Adu, F, US U-20/Project-40</a>

<p>The 14-year-old phenom became the youngest player in American pro sports after being selected by DC, and though a stellar U-20 World Cup in 2007 helped facilitate a move to Benfica, he has failed to latch on at a club since, and remains on the lookout for a new team after a half-season stint in Serbia last year. Two goals in 17 appearances for the USMNT.</p>

2005

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/saltlake_150.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/nikbesagno.gif" style="width: 75px; height: 113px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/nikolas-besagno">Nik Besagno, M, US U-17/IMG Academy</a>

<p>The much-touted prospect but made just eight appearances for RSL before being loaned to Seattle, and has played lower-league soccer in Washington since. Currently player/coach at Washington Crossfire (USL PDL). (<strong>READ: <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2013/01/16/what-ever-happened-nik-besagno" target="_blank">Whatever Happened To ... Nik Besagno</a></strong>)</p>

2006

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-newyork_150.png" style="width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Wynne-Marvell.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/marvell-wynne" target="_blank">Marvell Wynne, D, UCLA (GA)</a>

<p>Our only 200+ appearance player on the list &ndash; 236 to date, to be exact. After time in New York and Toronto, Wynne was an important part of the Colorado Rapids&#39; MLS Cup-winning squad in 2010. Has earned five caps for the US national team, and played in both the 2007 Copa America and 2008 Olympics. In 2015, he will start with his fourth team, pending completion of a deal, after being selected by the San Jose Earthquakes in the Re-Entry Draft.</p>

2007

<img alt=" " src="//league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/prp-toronto_150.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; height: 40px; width: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Maurice-Edu-%252321.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/maurice-edu" target="_blank">Maurice Edu, M, Maryland (GA)</a>

<p>The only No. 1 pick to play in the World Cup, Edu was named Rookie of the Year and stayed just one more half-season in Toronto before a move to Rangers, where he won three league titles and scored a memorable winner in the Old Firm Derby. Though his career hit a rough patch as he struggled for traction with Stoke City, his move back to the Philadelphia has put him back into the national team picture, and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/news/article/2015/01/14/versatile-veteran-maurice-edu-signs-multi-year-deal-philadelphia-union" target="_blank">was made permanent prior to the 2015 season</a>. Has 69 apperances over three seasons in MLS in addition to 46 caps for the USMNT.</p>

2008

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/sportingkc_logo.png" style="width: 40px; height: 44px;">

<a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chance-myers" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Chance-Myers.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"></a><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/chance-myers" target="_blank">Chance Myers, D, UCLA (GA)</a>

<p>Myers is still with Sporting after seven seasons in the league, and has 123 appearances to his name. The right back was a key part of KC&#39;s recent run of success, helping the team to victory in the 2012 US Open Cup and 2013 MLS Cup. Featured for the United States at the youth international levels, but has yet to make an appearance for the senior team.</p>

2009

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/3500_200x200.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Zakuani%2C-Steve.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/steve-zakuani" target="_blank">Steve Zakuani, F, Akron (GA)</a>

<p>Looked the part of a No. 1 draft pick in an electric first two years in MLS, but a gruesome broken leg suffered in a tackle early in the 2011 season meant he would never be the same player. Played two more limited years with the Sounders before calling it quits after one final season with the Portland Timbers in 2014.</p>

2010

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/5513_200x200.png" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10px; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Mwanga-Danny.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/danny-mwanga" target="_blank">Danny Mwanga, F, Oregon State (GA)</a>

<p>Was a Rookie of the Year finalist in his first season with the expansion Union, but was ultimately traded to Portland midway through 2012. Spent 2013 and 2014 with the Colorado Rapids, and recently signed with expansion side Orlando City. Currently has 15 goals and 10 assists in 98 MLS games, half of them starts.</p>

2011

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/vancouver_150.png" style="width: 30px; height: 44px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/17.Omar-Salgado.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/omar-salgado" target="_blank">Omar Salgado, F, US U-20 (GA)</a>

<p>Despite lots of promise, the US youth international was hampered by injury through his stay in MLS, playing just 1,100 senior minutes over four years. Was sold to Mexican side Tigres UANL at the conclusion of the 2014 season.</p>

2012

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/1616_200x200_0.png" style="font-size: 9px; text-align: center; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Wenger%2C-Andrew2014.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/andrew-wenger" target="_blank">Andrew Wenger, F, Duke (GA)</a>

<p>Played both defender and forward in college, and the Impact settled on the attacking position. Spent just over two years with Montreal before being traded to Philadelphia early in 2014. Posted a career-best seven goals and four assists combined with both teams last year.</p>

2013

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/928_200x200_0.png" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10px; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Farrell_Andrew_14_0.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/andrew-farrell" target="_blank">Andrew Farrell, D, Louisville (GA)</a>

<p>It might not be long until Farrell ranks as one of the most accomplished top picks in the league. The right back has shown great promise in his first two seasons on the Revs&#39; backline, with 32 appearances each year and was an important part of their run to the MLS Cup title game in 2014.</p>

2014

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagefield_thumbs/5513_200x200.png" style="text-align: center; font-size: 10px; width: 40px; height: 40px;">

<img alt="" src="https://league-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/Andre-Blake.jpg" style="width: 75px; height: 107px;"><a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/andre-blake">Andre Blake, GK, Connecticut (GA)</a>

<p>The college standout became the first goalkeeper to go No. 1, but was stuck behind <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/zac-macmath" target="_blank">Zac MacMath</a> and <a href="//www.mlssoccer.com/players/rais-mbolhi" target="_blank">Rais Mbolhi</a> on the Union depth chart. He made one appearance in his rookie year, registering seven saves in a 2-0 loss to Houston. With nine caps under his belt for his native Jamaica and MacMath off to Colorado, Blake still looks to have a promising future ahead of him.</p>