2016 MLS Player Development – NAIA Top Undrafted Seniors

2016 MLS PLAYER DEVELOPMENT – NAIA TOP UNDRAFTED SENIORS

By: PXI STAFF (@ProspectXI)

Independent to the NCAA, the NAIA is another brand of American College & University soccer heavily influenced by both Hispanic Americans and Foreign students. This means despite the size of many of the schools, the quality of soccer and talent can be strong even more so then in traditional North American Sports. The 2015 Championship was won by Rio Grande (Ohio) who beat MidAmerica Nazarene (Kansas) in the final 1-0 on an extra-time free kick goal from 35 yards out by Dutch player Jeremy De Hoog. Rio Grande consisted of players from France, Spain, England, Brazil, Chile, Kenya and the Netherlands. While MNU had players from Sweden, France, Chile, Canada, Germany but were also led by tricky American midfielder Eddie Morales.

The NAIA didn’t have any players drafted in the 2016 MLS Draft, but players like former Chicago Fire academy player Keaton Albert and former FC Edmonton Amer Didic are interesting players and compare well with players in other divisions. The following players are now regarded as free agents and can be offered trials/contracts by MLS, NASL, USL, PDL, NPSL club. There are additional foreign players who would be ranked higher on the list although are unrealistic to get an professional opportunity by a United States or Canadian club although some may emerge as pros in their native country.