Topics

More

Men’s Soccer Players Prepared for MLS SuperDraft

On Thursday, Penn State students Corey Hertzog and Matheus Braga will be hoping to hear their names called at the Major League Soccer (MLS) SuperDraft held in Baltimore, MD. After illustrious careers on Penn State’s Men’s Soccer team, both players are expected to get picked in the three round draft.

Hertzog, a junior, is leaving school a year early as part of the Generation Adidas program. Generation Adidas is a joint venture between MLS and U.S. Soccer that aims to raise the level of youth soccer in the United States. The program benefits MLS teams because the players do not count against the salary cap. The program also benefits the players by helping them to earn higher than the minimum salary in MLS.

Hertzog had a tremendous final season at Penn State, leading the nation in scoring with 20 goals. Steve Davis at Sports Illustrated has Hertzog getting picked 13th by the New York Red Bulls. However, Hertzog, who grew up in Allentown, PA., told MLSSoccer.com, “I’d love to play for the [Philadelphia] Union and be close to home.” Philadelphia has the fifth pick in the draft.

Braga is leaving Penn State after a great senior season at Penn State. He led the Nittany Lions with 17 assists, while also contributing five goals. Early projections had Braga as high as a late first-round pick, but since then his stock has fallen. Braga has shown glimpses of greatness on the field, but it would be too risky for a team to take him in the first round.

The MLS SuperDraft has changed over the years along with the constantly changing league. The draft is unique to the United States, and it keeps teams from bidding against one another for the best players. The draft also offers players like Braga a chance to prove themselves by training at the MLS combine. Both Hertzog and Braga participated at the combine, and the video below shows Hertzog scoring two goals while there.

The first round of the MLS SuperDraft will be aired on ESPN2 at noon on Thursday. Hertzog will most likely hear his name called during this broadcast. If you want to know where Braga gets picked, the second and  third rounds will be shown on MLSSoccer.com.

Your ad blocker is on.

Please choose an option below.

Sign up for our e-mail newsletter:
OR
Support quality journalism:
Purchase a Subscription!

About the Author

Michael Berton

I grew up in a Philly suburb, then moved to a different one. I am now at Penn State, where I can actually sate my giant appetite for sports. Other than writing, I also play the cello in the Penn State Philharmonic.

Penn State Football Recruiting Staff Navigating Tricky College Football Landscape

“We’re all trying to feel out the landscape to try and figure out how to advance in the new world of college football that involves NIL and compensation for the players.”

What To Do In Indianapolis For The Big Ten Championship

From the Roar Tour Pep Rally to the Big Ten Fast Fest, there’s lots to do in Indianapolis before the Big Ten Championship this weekend.

Penn State References You Didn’t Catch In ‘Wicked: Part I’

Did you know that Stephen Schwartz wrote the musical “Wicked” about Penn State?

113kFollowers
164kFollowers
62.7kFollowers
4,570Subscribers
Sign up for our Newsletter
Other posts by Michael

Lady Lions Bow Out of NCAA Tournament With Loss to UConn

In the end, the Conecticut women’s basketball team was just too talented. The Lady Lions fought until the final whistle, but it was not enough to even come close. The Huskies dominated for almost the entire 40 minutes in a 77-59 victory, knocking Penn State out of the NCAA Tournament.

Lady Lions NCAA Tournament Preview: UConn

Lady Lions Advance to Sweet 16 With 90-80 Win Over LSU