clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

MLS Draft 2012: D.C. United Selects Midfielder Nick DeLeon With No. 7 Pick

D.C. United has selected Louisville midfielder Nick DeLeon with the seventh pick in the 2012 MLS Superdraft.

By Mike Prada
Getty Images

D.C. United has made its first selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, taking Louisville midfielder Nick DeLeon with the No. 7 overall selection. DeLeon made his mark during the NCAA Tournament, leading the Cardinals to the quarterfinals before they lost to UCLA. He will likely play alongside Chris Pontius in the D.C. United midfield.

DeLeon was especially superb in a third-round win over Maryland, scoring once and dominating possession in the Cardinals' 4-2 victory. However, his stock fell a bit with a poor performance at pre-draft combine workouts, with ESPN commentators criticizing him immediately after the selection. D.C. United must hope that DeLeon's play in college outweighs his struggling performance in pre-draft workouts.

DeLeon joins a midfield that includes Pontius and Andy Najar. It remains unclear whether he would start or come on as a substitute.

For more on the MLS SuperDraft from D.C. United's perspective, visit Black and Red United.