The next class of Generation adidas is almost here.
A new wave of GA players will be available for selection at the 2017 MLS SuperDraft on January 13. Orlando City has shown an affinity for selected GA players in their first two years in MLS.
It started at the 2015 SuperDraft when City took Cyle Larin No. 1 overall and Conor Donovan in the second round and continued when City took Richie Laryea 7th overall in 2016.
But what are the benefits of signing Generation adidas players?
Generation adidas is a joint program between MLS and adidas, which sees a handful of top collegiate underclassmen and youth national team players signed by MLS to Generation adidas contracts and made available in the SuperDraft. Generation adidas players do not count against an MLS team’s salary budget.
Beginning this year, the Generation adidas program is mirrored in Canada as MLS and the Canadian Soccer Association work together to identify top Canadian talent and sign them to GA contracts, with the signed players made available to all MLS clubs through the SuperDraft.
Larin shattered the rookie goal scoring record with 17 and earned Rookie of the Year honors and followed it up with another exceptional campaign. Donovan is a youth national team defender who figures to play a large roll on the back line in years to come. Laryea showed sharp technical ability in his first season as a pro.
Come January 13, there will be another name for Lions fans to look out for.
