The 2012 MLS SuperDraft was the thirteenth annual SuperDraft presented by Major League Soccer. It was held on January 12, 2012 at 12:00 p.m. (ET). The draft was reduced from three rounds to two with the 19 MLS clubs selecting a total of 38 players. The expansion Montreal Impact had the first overall selection.[1]
Changes from 2011
As an expansion club, Montreal received the first pick in the SuperDraft.
The SuperDraft was contracted from three rounds to two rounds, making it the shortest SuperDraft in terms of rounds.
Selection order
The official selection order was set by Major League Soccer on October 21, 2011:
2012 expansion team Montreal Impact received the first selection;
The eight clubs which did not qualify for the playoffs received picks #2 through #9 (in reverse order of season points);
The two clubs eliminated in the Wild Card round of playoffs received picks #10 and #11 (in reverse order of season points);
The four clubs eliminated in the Conference Semifinals received picks #12 through #15 (in reverse order of season points);
The two clubs eliminated in the Conference Finals received picks #16 and #17 (in reverse order of season points);
The club which lost the 2011 MLS Cup received pick #18;
The club which won the 2011 MLS Cup received pick #19.
This selection order held for both rounds of the MLS SuperDraft. The same order was followed for the 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft, which was held on January 17, 2012.
*
Denotes player who has been selected for an MLS Best XI team
Round 1
Any player marked with a * is part of the Generation Adidas program.
^#24: Chivas USA → Real Salt Lake. 6 April 2010: Real Salt Lake acquired a conditional 2012 SuperDraft pick, which became this pick, from Chivas USA in exchange for the rights to defender Dario Delgado.[ref 3]
Prior to the reduction of the 2012 SuperDraft to two rounds, trades were made which involved SuperDraft Round 3 and Round 4 selections. These selections were converted into 2012 MLS Supplemental Draft Round 1 and Round 2 selections.[2]
^"Wizards trade Kevin Hartman" (Press release). Kansas City Wizards Media Relations. March 21, 2010. Retrieved December 4, 2010.
^"Quakes Trade Amarikwa to Colorado" (Press release). San Jose Earthquakes Media Relations. April 7, 2010. Archived from the original on December 31, 2010. Retrieved December 4, 2010.