The 2021 MLS SuperDraft had its share of twists and turns thanks to Austin FC — the league’s sole expansion team heading into 2021.

Only minutes into the draft with the first overall pick, the club chose a Generation adidas box-to-box midfielder…but not the one EVERYONE expected. Philip Mayaka, a consensus #1 pick in mock drafts, was passed over for Daniel Pereira.

Not satisfied with two first round picks (1st and 11th), Austin FC acquired the 21st pick from Colorado Rapids in exchange for $50K general allocation money (GAM).

When the smoke cleared, the Verde selected two midfielders, two defenders, and a goalkeeper to bolster the depth chart.

MLSsoccer.com draft expert Travis Clark graded every team’s picks, saying Austin FC’s overall draft was a B.

2021 Austin FC SuperDraft Class

• 1. Daniel Pereira/M – Virginia Tech
• 11. Freddy Kleemann/D – University of Washington
• 21. Aedan Stanley/D – Duke University
• 28. Daniel Steedman/M – University of Virginia
• 55. Noah Lawrence/GK – Ohio State University

College seniors, Generation adidas signings, and players who have waived their college eligibility by competing in a domestic professional league were eligible for the SuperDraft.