Los Angeles FC selects Joao Moutinho with first overall pick in MLS draft

Mike Slane

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Los Angeles FC selects Joao Moutinho with first overall pick in MLS draft image

Los Angeles FC selected Akron defender Joao Moutinho with the first overall pick in the 2018 MLS draft on Friday.

The Sporting Lisbon academy product turned heads as a freshman at Akron, displaying impressive technical quality and a good feel for the game. Though used mostly as a central defender at Akron, some project him as a left back in the pros while others see him as a potential defensive midfield option.

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Moutinho scored three goals and added five assists in 24 games during his only season at Akron and was named Mid-American Conference Freshman of the Year.

"It's a roller coaster of emotions to be honest," Moutinho said after being selected. "It's something I never thought about when I came here. To be the first pick in a great group of players is an honor for me."

Moutinho was a member of this year's six-player Generation Adidas class, which features the most highly regarded underclassmen in the draft. As a Generation Adidas player, Moutinho's salary will not count against LAFC's salary budget.

Moutinho, a Portugal native, will take up an international player spot on LAFC's roster. Each MLS team is allowed to have eight foreign-born players, although those slots can be traded.

The LA Galaxy also went with a defender with the second pick, selecting Stanford University junior Tomas Hilliard-Arce, who won three national titles during his collegiate career.

Round 1:

1. LAFC: Joao Moutinho, D
2. LA Galaxy: Tomas Hilliard-Arce, D
3. D.C. United:
4. Montreal:
5. Minnesota:
6. Orlando:
7. Montreal:
8. New England:
9. New England:
10. Real Salt Lake:
11. FC Dallas:
12. San Jose:
13. Sporting KC:
14. Atlanta:
15. Chicago:
16. Red Bulls:
17. Vancouver:
18. Sporting KC:
19. NYCFC:
20. Houston:
21. Columbus:
22. Seattle:
23. Toronto FC:

Mike Slane