Two More Akron Players Get Chosen as MLS SuperDraft Comes to Close

The MLS SuperDraft came to a close and with it two more Akron products professional soccer lives have begun. Senior Midfielder Aodhan Quinn and senior forward Reinaldo Brenes both heard their names called as they become the newest Zips to join the MLS scene.

Quinn was taken with the 14th pick of the third round (54th overall) by Philadelphia and joins fellow Zip and 2014 draftee Robbie Derschang. Philadelphia acquired the 14th pick from the Los Angeles Galaxy in the Chandler Hoffman trade. While Brenes' name was called by MLS champions Sporting Kansas City with the second last pick (19th of 4th round, 76th overall) of the Draft.

The Union gained the Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, an All-MAC First Team honoree and a Hermann Trophy semifinalist. Quinn was one of the three Akron captains and ranked second for the Zips in goals with seven, three of which being game-winners, and an assist for a total of 15 points. He also played a key role in the Zips possession-based attack and was named to the MAC All-Tournament team after scoring a goal in three straight matches during the MAC Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

Brenes brings a similar set of skills to the MLS champions. He was also a captain for Akron and started in all 18 games he featured in, leading the Zips with eight goals, five of which being game-winners. He has won many accolades including CoSIDA Academic All-America Third Team honoree and All-Great Lakes Region First Team.

In the draft breakdowns, each player is given an overall evaluation based on a coach's perspective and both the Akron products received mixed reviews. Brenes had the more positive of the two reviews with coaches saying he had a brilliant soccer IQ while also offering good pace, finishing, technical skill and excellent movement off the ball. His main weakness came to his work ethic, saying that he sometimes practice so hard that it brought about a physical breakdown and injury.

As for Quinn, the reviews were a bit more negative. The breakdown said that he might struggle outside of Akron's system and is a little inconsistent in his passing and game management. It also said that his ability to keep up with the speed of MLS. But it was also positive, saying that he had a high work rate and his drive to succeed is unmatched, but he will need to improve on much to be successful in professional soccer.

Quinn will be joining fellow Akron product and 2014 draftee Robbie Derschang. Dershcang was picked with the 27th overall pick acquired from Vancouver in a trade for right of first refusal to Nigel Reo-Coker.

All statistics and coach's breakdowns are per mlssoccer.com.