Red Bull New York selected University of Virginia midfielder Tony Tchani with the second overall pick in today’s 2010 MLS SuperDraft held at the Philadelphia Convention Center in Philadelphia, PA. The 20-year-old 2009 First Team All-American from Norfolk, VA was a key component in Virginia’s NCAA Championship run last season.
“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 New York General Manager 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.”
Part of the 2010 MLS Generation adidas class, Tchani (pronounced CHA-nee) scored eight goals and recorded four assists in 2009. The 6-4, 185-pound midfielder earned spots on the ACC All-Tournament Team, NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team and All-ACC second team. In his freshman year in 2008, Tchani earned the 2008 ACC Freshman of the Year award, garnering nine goals and three assists.
The Red Bulls still have four picks remaining – one in the first round (14th), one in the second (18th), one in the third (34th) and one in the fourth (50th). New York’s second overall pick was the highest selection it has had in the draft since 2006, when it took defender Marvell Wynne with the first overall pick.
redbullsreader.wordpress.com 
January 14, 2010 at 2:34 PM |
Good choice! He’s Cameroonian too, I’m sure Mbuta will help him settle in nicely.
January 14, 2010 at 3:34 PM |
Yeah, I like this guy. The only negative is he barely speaks English.
January 14, 2010 at 4:36 PM |
Don’t get me wrong, I’m psyched that we got tchani, but i really think that da luz will be the better player in the long run. Having seen him play in several games and having watched highlight videos, he seems to be a player that has the vision, touch, and passing ability that is rarely found at the college level. He lacks strength but that will improve over the next year. Either way these are two guys that can really contribute in the future.
January 15, 2010 at 2:07 AM |
Tchani and da luz are great addition to the red bulls.