2012 MLS Draft: Philadelphia Union Select Raymon Gaddis With The 35th Overall Pick

by Scott Kessler on Jan 12, 2012 3:03 PM EST in News

The Philadelphia Union select Raymon Gaddis with the 35th overall pick in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft. This pick was originally acquired from Sporting Kansas City in 2010 in the Shavar Thomas trade.

Gaddis was considered by some to be the best right back in the draft, even ahead of Aubrey Perry. The fullback was part of the Union's affiliate-PDL team Reading United AC during the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and played in college soccer at West Virginia University. Gaddis was a third team All-American on Top Drawer Soccer during his Junior year and earned Player of the Week honors while with Reading. He was a member of the Hermann Trophy Watch List in 2010 and 2011, but did not do enough throughout both of those seasons to remain a part of the lists.

The senior's speed makes him a perfect back up to current starting right back Sheanon Williams, who is due to make the USMNT under-23 team for the 2012 Olympics. With Williams gone, it will be up to Gaddis and Ryan Richter to help keep the defensive success that came around when Williams was signed late in the 2010 MLS season.

Previously the Union drafted Chandler Hoffman (13th overall) and Greg Jordan (32nd overall).

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Gaddis

Gaddis did play in one game for the United in 2011, playing at Jersey Express.

by Ryan Lineaweaver on Jan 12, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions

Updated.

Thanks for the info, Ryan. Could’t find it on RUAC’s site.

Managing Editor for Brotherly Game, SBNation's Philadelphia Union blog and contributor for SBN Philly. // @scottdkessler
"College is only 4 years, but the Eagles are for life." - Ironhank

by Scott Kessler on Jan 12, 2012 3:15 PM EST up reply actions

WVU!

Represent well, Raymon. I thought another defender from the Mountaineers (Eric Schoenle) would have been drafted as well but either way I’m fine with adding a highly-regarded right back to the fold.

by Gregoor on Jan 12, 2012 3:40 PM EST reply actions

Schoenle

Schoenle was an early target, but most reports have stated that teams shied away from him due to his slight frame. Not sure if he could keep up with the physicality of the MLS, despite his height.

by Ryan Lineaweaver on Jan 16, 2012 1:39 PM EST reply actions