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MLS Rookie Check | College football

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Now that the MLS season has reached its halfway point, it’s time for a rookie check-in, examining the ten players who made the most impact in their first professional season.

Tyrese Spicer, Toronto FC (846 minutes) – Lipscomb(m), Round 1, Pick 1

The first pick in the draft, Spicer has quickly proven to be a valuable investment for Toronto FC as he emerged as a starter, an MLS Team of the Week selection and the overwhelming favorite for rookie of the year. The Lipscomb product has contributed a number of goals and an assist, while his speed on either wing remains a threat for a team battling for a play-off spot.

Jacob Murrell, DC United (360 minutes) – Georgetown (m), Round 1, Pick 7

At just 20, Murrel is the youngest player on this list and also serves as an exciting prospect for DC United with an appearance in 13 of the 17 games. The Maryland native has the potential to develop into a goal striker with the athletic ability to stretch the back line, a rare combination in the professional game. And there’s no better player for Murrell to learn from than Christian Benteke, a 33-year-old striker and MLS All-Star who was once among the best scorers in the English Premier League.

Malachi Jones, New York City FC (334 minutes) – Lipscomb (m), Round 1, Pick 8

Another 20-year-old rookie making an impact, Jones has done well, earning significant minutes and two starts for a NYCFC team battling for first place in the Eastern Conference. Like Spicer, Jones offers elite speed on the wings, fitting considering they both emerged from Lipscomb.

Logan Farrington, FC Dallas (286 minutes) – Oregon State (m), Round 1, Pick 3

While FC Dallas and Farrington struggled in the MLS, the Michigan native excelled in the US Open Cup with goals in back-to-back rounds that propelled the team to the quarterfinals. That offers hope that Farrington can be part of a turnaround in the second half of the season.

Yannick Bright, Inter Miami (237 minutes) – New Hampshire (m), round 1, pick 15

Against all odds, Bright has managed to enter a stacked rotation at Inter Miami. On a roster that includes legends such as Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, the New Hampshire product has started two games and appeared as a substitute in another five. Part of the advantage is that Bright, on a rookie contract, is a cheap option for a franchise that spends far more than anyone in the league, and is intelligent and technically gifted enough to play for the team at times when the parent rising Sergio Busquets needs some support. rest.

Hosei Kijima, Saint Louis City SC (176 minutes) – Wake Forest(m), Round 1, Pick 17

Kijima has grown in stature within the organization with six appearances in the last eight, including a start against FC Cincinnati. The fit wasn’t always ideal, as a highly technical player was asked to do more of the dirty work in a team that favors a defensive style of play. But Kijima is acclimating and could end up with more than 700 minutes by the end of the season.

Tyger Smalls, Charlotte SC (154 minutes) – Loyola Marymount (m), Round 1, Pick 14

Another who has come on in recent times after not being in the squad for the first nine games. Smalls has made eight straight appearances, with Charlotte losing just two since then. The right winger has a bit of an acquired taste as someone who performs best with complete creative freedom, but he’s made enough adjustments to earn the trust of Charlotte’s coaching staff.

Garrison Tubbs, DC United (137 minutes) – Wake Forest (m), homegrown

There are plenty of reasons for DC United fans to be excited about Tubbs, none more prominent than his first career start against Toronto FC on June 1. And with the team not performing as well as expected this season, there could be room for the Wake Forest product to carve out a permanent center back role.

Hugo Bacharach, Minnesota United (90 minutes) – Indiana (m), Round 1, Pick 9

Bacharach has had an unhappy season for Minnesota United. The centre-back made his MLS debut after playing 90 minutes against the Houston Dynamo, but was unable to build on that momentum as he suffered a meniscus injury that required surgery. That was on April 18 and Bacharach is expected back in mid-June, which still gives him time to make a rookie impact.

Leo Afonso, Inter Miami (88 minutes) – Virginia (m), round 2, pick 32

One of the backups who emerge when Inter Miami’s superstars need rest, Afonso has done well this season in limited appearances. The ex-Virginia Cavalier has earned a goal and an assist in his 88 minutes from five appearances and remains in the matchday squad, a sign that the coaching staff believe in him.

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