SB Nation Mock MLS Draft: Sporting Kansas City selects Niko Hansen

With the 14th pick in the SB Nation Mock Draft, The Blue Testament selected Niko Hansen, a forward out of New Mexico.

You can read the results of the full Mock Draft soon when it goes up on the SBN site.

When I made this selection, Sporting Kansas City had not announced the signings of Christian Volesky and Cameron Iwasa, which made depth at the forward position more of a need.

Regardless, Hansen may be a prospect that Sporting Kansas City looks at. He scored 13 goals and had 3 assists in 20 games with the Lobos this season. He’s quick and can be used as a second forward and also on the wing.

He could be a project piece who is stashed with the Swope Park Rangers and Sporting KC can never have too many players who can competently play on the wing. With the addition of two forwards from the USL, more competition in that area can only be a good thing, and the presence of the Swope Park Rangers allows Sporting KC to splurge on young players who can make an impact.

However, if I had to select again knowing the information I do now, I would focus more on defense. Sporting KC also need depth at center back and that’s where I see them focusing during the draft.

The MLS SuperDraft will take place on Friday at 2 p.m. central in Los Angeles. Sporting KC have the 14th pick and the 58th pick (3rd round, 14th pick). They traded their second round pick for Brad Davis and their second round pick for Volesky.