New York City selects Connor Brandt with 23rd pick of the draft

Connor Brandt is the newest addition to New York City’s squad.

With the second pick in the second round and the 23rd pick overall, New York City drafted the University of San Diego midfielder. Going into the draft, Brandt started out being considered as a left midfielder. However, at the start of the MLS Combine in Florida, he was asked to play left back, and he acquitted himself well in that position.



In his time with the Gauchos, Brandt became a clutch player for the team, finishing fourth in his career with nine game-winning goals. He was named the West Coast Conference’s Player of the Year in 2014 after finishing with seven goals and six assists, and was a two-time all-conference selection. He played 64 games in three years, finishing with 16 goals and 15 assists.

Brandt has an excellent left foot, and has the instinct to go forward in attack, something that head coach Jason Kreis prizes in his players. With his ability to play anywhere on the left, from left back to left midfielder all the way up top as a left winger, the player he resembles is LA Galaxy standout Robbie Rogers.

For New York City, the selection of Brandt gives Kreis the ability to rotate his left backs, keeping Chris Wingert fresh as the season wears on. Since Brandt can also play in the middle or up top, it also helps with his player rotation in midfield and forward. At 6-1 and 165 pounds, Brandt has speed and size to match up well with other MLS teams.