With the second overall pick of the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, the New York Red Bulls select none other than Virginia's Tony Tchani. Earlier this month, we reported that Tchani, a sophomore, decided to leave Virginia early to take his chances in the MLS. It looks like the risk, which admittedly was a low one, paid off big, as Tchani impressed everyone throughout this past week at the combine.
While rumors had been spreading that New York would likely pick up Wake Forest's centerback Ike Opara, as the Red Bulls desperately needed any defensive help they could get, Tchani utterly dominated the combine, and the Cavs midfielder was just too good to pass up.
"We believe that Tony has the potential to be an excellent two-way midfielder in Major League Soccer and we are excited to bring him to the Red Bulls," said Red Bull GM and sporting director Erik Soler. "Tony impressed our coaching staff during his time at Virginia and we expect that he will help improve our squad immediately."
Tchani was a first team All-America selection by the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) and College Soccer News. He scored eight goals and had four assists in 2009, and was selected to the ACC All-Tournament team, the All-ACC second team and the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament team. The 2008 ACC Freshman of the Year, Tchani finished his Virginia career with 16 goals, seven assists and four game-winning goals.
Tchani became the 10th-ever first round draft pick for the Cavaliers, and was the highest drafted UVa player in the MLS SuperDraft since Bakary Soumare in 2007, who was also a No. 2 overall selection. Former Virginia forward Alecko Eskandarian was the No. 1 overall selection in the 2003 MLS Draft.