COMMERCE CITY, Colo — The Colorado Rapids have selected midfielder Mohamed Omar from the University of Notre Dame (23rd overall), defender Anthony Markanich from Northern Illinois University (26th overall) and forward Roberto Molina from Las Vegas Lights FC (45th overall) in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
“We’re pleased with the results of today’s SuperDraft,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Executive VP & General Manager. “Our club remains committed to developing young players and we believe the SuperDraft continues to be a valuable mechanism for acquiring players with the potential to contribute at the next level.”
Omar, 22, captained Notre Dame to its first-ever ACC Men’s Soccer Championship during his senior season in 2021. The six-foot-three midfielder made 68 appearances during his four years with the Fighting Irish, recording six goals and three assists. A native of Toronto, Canada, Omar has previously trained with Canada’s U-20 men’s national team.
Markanich, 21, was a three-time First-Team All-MAC honoree during his four seasons at Northern Illinois University. The 21-year-old left back made 67 appearances for the Huskies, registering 17 goals and adding 24 assists, the latter of which are second-most all-time in program history.
Molina, 20, is a product of the University of California, Irvine, and finished his college career early to pursue his professional career with Las Vegas Lights FC in the ULS Championship last year. The winger made 30 appearances with the Nevadan side, recording two goals and five assists. A native of El Salvador, Molina has three caps with El Salvador’s men’s national team.
Earlier in the day, Colorado acquired the 26th overall pick after trading the 10th overall pick to Nashville SC in exchange for $125,000 in 2022 General Allocation Money (GAM) and $50,000 in conditional GAM.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids select midfielder Mohamed Omar 23rd overall, defender Anthony Markanich 26th overall and forward Roberto Molina 45th overall in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas; Rapids acquire $125,000 in 2022 GAM, $50,000 in conditional 2022 GAM and the 26th pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas in exchange for the 10th pick in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas.
