NYCFC picks five players in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft

On Friday, New York City FC and the rest of Major League Soccer participated in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. More often than not, the Pigeons traded away later picks or would not make all of their selections. Recently, most of those selected did not sign with the team and went elsewhere. In addition, some players were picked and signed with the first team, but subsequently, it did not work out.

Although, there have been a few draft selections throughout the years that have been successful. Jack Harrison is probably the best NYCFC player who came through the draft, for he eventually became an everyday starter in the Championship and Premier League in England. In the last couple of years, Kevin O'Toole has become a starter for the Bronx side after his selection in the 2022 SuperDraft. Meanwhile, 2024 first-round pick Malachi Jones has plenty of potential after his successful start before his leg injury.

NYCFC picks five players in the SuperDraft

In other words, as much as the draft is criticized, NYCFC can find a few diamonds in the rough. So, to the surprise of many, the team drafted five players. Usually, they would make two or three picks, and not five.

Some of the players selected have potential, especially the team's first-round pick. NYCFC traded their 24th pick to San Diego FC to take the newest team's 17th pick, Max Murray, from the University of Vermont. The 2024 NCAA Men's Soccer champion is a solid defender who can score. This past season, he scored four goals and had four assists. Notably, he is listed as a forward for Vermont but has played and was listed as a defender via MLS.

In the second round, NYCFC selected Northwestern University's Collin McCamy. The midfielder was one of the better players in the Big Ten but it is unknown whether he can play at the professional level. Of course, that is a question that is always asked of every player, especially as the draft progresses.

Then, NYCFC had three picks in the third and final round. The Boys in Blue selected forward AJ Smith from the University of Virginia, forward Arnau Farnos from Oregon State University, and defender Nicholas Cavallo from UCLA.

If the Bronx side does sign anyone to the first team, then one can expect they will sign one or two players. It is also possible a few of the draft picks will sign with NYCFC II, for that is an option nowadays. Not all will sign though, for that is the nature of the SuperDraft.

If anything, Murray is probably the most intriguing for NYCFC, which is why they took him in the first round. The Pigeons need center-back depth, so hopefully the first pick for the side will work out.