The Los Angeles Galaxy selected five players Friday at the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, adding strength to their roster at all positions.
With their top pick, the 12th overall selection, the Green and Gold chose Generation adidas defender-midfielder Nathan Sturgis. The 18-year-old served as a central defender in two seasons at Clemson University and with the U.S. Under-20 national team, but he could be used in several places for Steve Sampson's side.
"I can play in the middle of defense, out wide, maybe a little bit in the middle (central midfield)," Sturgis said. "I'll find all of that out when I get there."
Sampson made University of Maryland forward Marc Burch the second selection for the defending MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup champions. Burch, who helped the Terrapins win the NCAA title last month by scoring the only goal in their 1-0 title-game victory over the University of New Mexico, can play anywhere on the left side of the field.
Both players said they were surprised by their respective selections.
"It's a little bit of a surprise," Sturgis said. "I didn't really hear too much heading in as to who was interested, so I was just kind of on the edge of my seat the whole time as to where I'd end up. But I'm excited."
Added Burch: "I didn't know if L.A. had gotten a chance to see me play and when they had because I wasn't at the combine. I was really surprised, but I'm really excited."
Sampson added another defensive player with the Galaxy's third selection, the 25th overall pick and the first in the third round. Kyle Veris, who played college soccer for The Ohio State University, joins the Galaxy after two consecutive seasons as an All-Big Ten selection. He spent his first two college seasons with the University of Akron.
The Galaxy selected one of only three goalkeepers chosen during the day with their fourth pick of the afternoon, the 36th overall selection, by picking up Bradley University product Chris Dunsheath. The Rockford, Ill., native was an NSCAA first team All-American this past season and the 2002 Missouri Valley Conference Newcomer of the Year.
The final Galaxy draft pick -- and last overall selection of the day -- was forward Aaron King. A North Carolina State product, King was a first team All-American in 2004 and a second team All-American in 2005.
Jason Halpin is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
