David Beckham's Inter Miami selects Clemson's Robbie Robinson with top pick in MLS SuperDraft

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David Beckham’s expansion Inter Miami CF selected Clemson forward Robbie Robinson with the first overall pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft on Thursday.

Robinson, 21, won this year’s MAC Hermann award as the top male collegiate player in the country. The Camden, South Carolina, native is a versatile, mobile forward who can play multiple positions.

“We’re very excited for you to bring your skills to our city and it’s an exciting time for us,” Beckham told Robinson after making him the franchise’s first-ever draft pick. “We’re excited about you being able to contribute to the team and develop as a player and we’re excited to have you in our club.”

After suffering through an injury-riddled sophomore season, Robinson scored 18 goals in 2019. Now the challenge will be to crack a Miami lineup that already has South American products Julian Carranza and designated player Matias Pellegrini.

“He’s the most talented attacking player in the draft,” one MLS executive said prior to the draft. “He’s very dynamic in his ability. He can create chances for himself and others.”

Fellow expansion side Nashville SC chose Indiana University defender Jack Maher with the second overall pick before Miami, who had two of the top three selections, took Georgetown defender Dylan Nealis third. Nashville completed their first round by taking West Forest defender Alistair Johnston and UNC Charlotte goalkeeper Elliot Panicco 11th and 13th, respectively.

Maher, 20, was in the running to be the first overall selection. He spent two seasons at Indiana, where he emerged as the top center-back in the country and was the Big 10’s defensive player of the year. He made a total of 46 appearances with the Hoosiers, scoring four goals. He is a product of St. Louis-based youth club St. Louis Scott Gallagher, the same club that produced current Fulham and U.S. international defender Tim Ream.

Some observers around the league feel Maher still needs to grow into his body and fill out physically in order to cope with MLS forwards, but has the technical ability needed to play in the league.

“He’s a two-year project, and he has to get stronger,” one MLS coach said prior to the draft. “But he’s a good, good soccer player.”

The 2020 SuperDraft will encompass four rounds and 104 selections. Rounds 3 and 4 will take place beginning on Monday, Jan. 13 via conference call.