Ahead of the 2014 SuperDraft, MLSsoccer.com is breaking down each team's needs and potential draft targets. Here's a look at where the Philadelphia Union need help:
The Union have been busy already, trading away a backline veteran, signing a Designated Player and reportedly targeting several other DPs.
But what will they do with their stockpile of draft picks?
Philadelphia Union SuperDraft Picks: #2 (1st Rd), #6 (1st Rd), #24 (2nd Rd), #27 (2nd Rd), #44 (3rd Rd), #46 (3rd Rd), #52 (3rd Rd), #63 (4th Rd)
Philadelphia Union Depth Chart (24 players):
Goalkeepers (1): Zac MacMath
Right Backs (2): Sheanon Williams, Matt Kassel
Left Backs (2): Fabinho, Raymon Gaddis
Center Backs (3): Amobi Okugo, Ethan White, Carlos Valdes
Center Mids (3): Brian Carroll, Michael Lahoud, Jimmy McLaughlin
Left Mids (2): Cristian Maidana, Keon Daniel
Right Mids (3): Sebastien Le Toux, Danny Cruz, Corben Bone
Attacking Mids (2): Zach Pfeffer, Leo Fernandes
Forwards (6): Jack McInerney, Conor Casey, Antoine Hoppenot, Aaron Wheeler, Yann Ekra, Cristhian Hernandez
International slots (4 of 8 remaining): Valdes, Fabinho, Daniel, Hernandez
Primary Need: Left back
If Fabinho is coming back, this is probably his spot to lose and left back becomes much less of a need. Of course, there are plenty of reports out of Brazil saying that he’s not coming back, so who knows? Either way, the Union probably need to find a left-footed fullback in this one, someone who can at least support the attack if not necessarily initiate it.
Targets:Ben Sweat (South Florida), Robbie Derschang (Akron)
Secondary Need: Central defensive depth
Jeff Parke’s gone, and Amobi Okugo is still learning the spot. White has had his moments, but it's still not clear if he has the goods to be an MLS starter. The only other center back on the roster is Valdes, who is very likely to stay in South America. The Union got away with only carrying Parke and Okugo last year; this year, they’ll need to find at least one more.
Targets:Christian Dean (California - GA), Steve Birnbaum (California), Kyle Venter (New Mexico), Damion Lowe (Hartford - GA), A.J. Cochran (Wisconsin - GA)
CATCH THE OTHER SUPERDRAFT TEAM PREVIEWS:
SAN JOSE: Can Quakes find a player at No. 9 who can start right away?
FC DALLAS: Will Oscar Pareja make a run at NCAA top scorer?
LA GALAXY: Bruce Arena merely putting finishing touches on 2014 squad
REAL SALT LAKE: Jeff Cassar's first big decisions come in SuperDraft
COLORADO: Five picks in Philly, but no head coach to make them
CHIVAS USA: In search of another rebuild for the Goats
TORONTO FC: Are the Reds about to become a SuperClub?
MONTREAL: Finding depth up top is Klopas' first priority
CHICAGO: How does big trade impact Fire's draft strategy?
SPORTING KC: Champs have few needs entering SuperDraft
HOUSTON: Kinnear needs help in the back and up top
PHILADELPHIA: Can Hackworth make the most of his 8 picks?
NEW ENGLAND REVOLUTION: Filling the hole left by Juan Agudelo
