The Colorado Rapids went big at the 2015 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday, selecting a pair of towering defenders.
The Rapids traded up to No. 14 overall to grab 6-foot-7 defender (pronounced WHO-berg) from Marquette University with their first selection of the day. Colorado grabbed the pick from the Columbus Crew SC in exchange for the No. 19 overall pick, a 2016 pick and future considerations.
Sjoberg, originally from Stockholm, Sweden, was team MVP at Marquette, playing every minute for the Golden Eagles in 2014, and was named All-Big East first team. Sjoberg requires an international roster spot.
He becomes the tallest player on the club, an inch taller than former , also a central defender.
With the No. 26 overall pick, the Rapids selected 6-6 defender of Navy. The former Midshipmen defender was a semifinalist for the college player of the year award and a first-team All-American.
Rapids coach Pablo Mastroeni has stressed that central defense is the pillar to a strong side, and after a season that collapsed due in large part to injuries on the back line, the club has moved quickly to add depth.
In recent weeks, the Rapids have also added MLS veterans Michael Harrington and Bobby Burling to their back line.
The Rapids would have had the No. 5 overall pick, but traded it to the Portland Timbers in February 2013 in exchange for former No. 1 overall pick Danny Mwanga. Mwanga was a bust in Colorado and was eventually loaned to the New York Cosmos of the NASL before being taken by Orlando City SC in the expansion draft.
The No. 19 overall pick was acquired from FC Dallas during former Rapids’ coach Oscar Pareja’s departure to the Frisco, Texas-based club.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or twitter.com/danielboniface
