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MLS SuperDraft: New York Red Bulls Pick Zeiko Lewis and Ethan Kutler

(LOS ANGELES) The New York Red Bulls came into the MLS SuperDraft with a simple strategy: Pick the best player available. Luckily for them, they also filled a position of need. Zeiko Lewis showed very well at the MLS Combine, and projected to be a top 10 pick. Lewis’ time at Boston College shows he can be a contributor from the wing, notching 18 goals and 26 assists for the Eagles. His ability to cut in and serve the ball from his preferred left foot will suit Jesse Marsch and the Red Bulls well.

MLS SuperDraft: New York Red Bulls Pick Zeiko Lewis and Ethan Kutler

Zeiko introduced himself to the league well, showing he carries a chip on his shoulder after dropping down the draft board. He thanked the Red Bulls for showing faith in him, and promised to prove those who overlooked him. “Being selected this late isn’t the end of the world. It makes me have to show everybody I’m going to prove you guys wrong for drafting me this late.”

Jesse Marsch spoke highly of Zeiko after the pick, “Well clearly, he has personality. You are always looking for young guys that aren’t afraid and are up for a big challenge. But, you know, when you look at his overall athleticism, along with his soccer package, his ability to run, his ability to close things down. It now fits into the style we play.”

To finish up the day, the Red Bulls picked Ethan Kutler from Colgate University at number 39. Kutler does not have the resume that some of his fellow draftees carry, but still has an impressive list of accomplishments:

From the New York Red Bulls Press Release:

Kutler, a New Yorker who was born in Cooperstown and grew up in Lansing, played four seasons of college soccer at Colgate. The forward completed his college career with 74 games played, 69 starts, 26 goals and 11 assists.

He received NSCAA All-Northeast Region honors each of his final three seasons with the Raiders, including First Team honors as a senior. In 2016, Kutler was named Patriot League Tournament MVP, an ECAC Division I All-Star and his 81-career points rank second all-time in the Colgate record books.

Whether either player can make an impact in the short term is anyone’s guess. At the very least, both players will have opportunities at the USL level. However, do not count them out of senior team competitions. The Red Bulls once again will take part in three major competitions, and will need all of the healthy bodies they can muster. NY’s draft success over the years has been a mixed bag, but they do have a precedent of making smart draft picks in later rounds. Players such as Jeff Parke, Tim Ream, Ryan Meara, Jozy Altidore, and Dane Richards were all selected after the first round.

The MLS SuperDraft continues Tuesday January 17th.

Zeiko Lewis

Pronunciation: ZEE-KOH

College: Boston College

Height: 5-6

Weight: 145

Date of Birth: 6/4/1994

Hometown: Pembroke, Bermuda

Citizenship: Bermuda

 

Ethan Kutler

College: Colgate University

Height: 5-11

Weight: 165

Date of Birth: 5/1/1995

Hometown: Lansing, N.Y.

Citizenship: USA

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