I've just returned from the 2011 version of the MLS Superdraft in downtown Baltimore, and first things first, permit me to clean the blood slowly trickling out of my eardrums.  This was quite possibly the loudest indoor venue I've ever attended, and I've seen Whitechapel at Ottobar. 

Unbeknownst to myself (and perhaps a fair majority of MLS fans), the Superdraft has a long history of taking up residence in the Charm City, despite the closest team being a good 40 miles down the I-95 Corridor.  Every third year since at least 2005, Baltimore's downtown Convention Center has hosted MLS' Collegiate and Supplemental Drafts, and judging from the exceptional turnout today, it is a tradition which I can't imagine ending any time soon. 

I wasn't sure what to expect when I first learned that the draft was visiting my adopted city; I've lived here for only three years, moving just after the last incarnation of the draft, and I can't remember ever seeing it on TV or anybody caring too much about it, to be honest.  I heard through Barra Brava and the Baltimore Brigade contacts that groups would be attending and meet-and-greets (drink-and-drowns) would be held at Pratt St. and Tir Na Nog for the respective groups, but what I didn't expect were the impressive numbers of fans from other MLS sides.

Northeastern sides were especially well represented, while fans of clubs west of the Mississippi were obviously tougher to spot, with the exception of the two darlings of the ball: Vancouver and Portland. 

Apparently the Whitecaps took a gamble with their first pick, selecting Mexican export Omar Salgado over what many deemed to be more solid picks in Akron's Darlington Nagbe and Perry Kitchen.  I couldn't tell you, though; I hadn't heard of any of the players selected in the first round save Terps keeper Zac MacMath and Wolverine Justin Meram, who scored one of Michigan's goals in their upset of the Terps in this season's NCAA playoffs.

As a D.C. fan, I took particular interest in their third overall selection, the aforementioned Perry Kitchen.  More knowledgeable fans around me knew he liked to sit deep in midfield and could even play on the backline, so if he's actually any good, then it should be a fantastic pickup for Ben Olsen. 

The story of the second round was undoubtedly John Rooney, little brother of England's Wayne, by NYRB, effectively cementing their place as the new Glamour Club of MLS.  I, for one, was not even aware Roo had a brother, much less that he'd ever even considered playing in America.  But as a (fairly) neutral observer of the goings-on in New York, I hope for the sake of the league that he produces and makes an impact.

In true journalistic fashion, I ducked out after things seemed to be petering down after the second round; the cold drinks at Pratt St. beckoned far too strongly for my parched mouth to resist.  I'd done nearly as much singing inside the convention hall as any given Saturday at RFK, and it certainly felt like it. 

A small din arose just as I was leaving for UMBC forward Levi Houapeu, drafted by the Philadelphia Union.  Soccer fans in Baltimore especially have a particular affinity for Retrievers Soccer, and I've attended quite a few games at the underwhelming venue myself, so best of luck to him.

My overall experience of the draft was remarkable, certainly more than I'd expected.  The fact that it was apparently broadcast on ESPN2 is quite a bonus; perhaps you all caught a glimpse of this handsome mug at one point.

I'm not sure where next year's draft is, but I highly recommend anyone make a day of it if it happens to be anywhere near you, and hopefully make for an equally vociferous and electric atmosphere.

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