New York City FC Select Connor Brandt in the Second Round of the MLS SuperDraft

After taking forward Khirby Shelton in the first round, New York City FC addressed another vital need by selecting left back and winger Connor Brandt from the University of San Diego.

With Chris Wingert as the only left back on the roster, New York City FC really needed to find a back-up who could provide cover. Yet, Brandt is versatile enough to be deployed as a left midfielder which is also very valuable.

Originally a left winger, Brandt player further behind as a fullback at the MLS Combine and played well. Offering pace and size due to his 6-1 frame, Brandt seems ready to adapt to the physical demands of MLS.

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The 2014 West Conference Player of the Year award winner is a potential left wingback that appeals to what head coach Jason Kreis values in terms of versatility and endurance. A member of the 2014 NSCAA Far West All-Region First Team, Brandt also showed a knack for scoring crucial goals with 9 career game winners in over four years with San Diego.

With 16 goals and 15 assists throughout his collegiate stint, Brandt could excel at getting forward to trouble opposing defenses. He’s flexible enough to operate all over the pitch especially in central positions.

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• NYCFC Drafts Three Attacking Players in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft
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• James Sands: The Ideal MLS Homegrown
• Feyenoord, Olympique Marseille among teams interested in NYCFC’s Taty Castellanos
• Maxi Moralez signs new non-DP deal with NYCFC

Moving forward, New York City FC now has the 2^nd pick in the 3^rd and 4^th rounds of the MLS SuperDraft which will take place on January 20^th. Overall, the club did well today addressing positions where they had a lack of options. The roster is truly starting to take shape as March fast approaches.

Head Coach Jason Kreis is content with the current squad and after making a few more additions, the former Real Salt Lake manager believes his new roster can make a positive difference in their first season together. “We can say very clearly that we’re very, very happy with the group that we have right now,” Kreis said. “Do we think we can improve upon it? Yeah, probably a little bit around the edges. If we had to go into day one of the season with the group that we have now, I can tell you with a straight face that we’ll be pretty competitive.”

Despite all the controversy with Frank Lampard, New York City FC has been able to put together a potentially strong roster that could do well in the club’s inaugural season.

Next: New York City Select Khiry Shelton in the MLS SuperDraft