IRVING, Texas – The American Athletic Conference saw five players from conference members selected during the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas on Thursday, including two picks in the first round.
 
SMU's Nicky Hernandez saw his MLS rights remain in the Metroplex after being drafted 15th overall in the first round by FC Dallas. USF’s Javain Brown was taken 23rd in the first round by Vancouver Whitecaps FC. USF’s Avionne Flanagan was the second pick of the second round (29th overall) by FC Cincinnati, and SMU’s Brandon Terwege (57th overall to the Houston Dynamo) and Talen Maples (72nd overall to Toronto FC) were drafted in the third round.
 
It was the second straight season that American members saw a total of five players taken during the MLS SuperDraft. Dating back to 2014, 42 players representing The American have been drafted into MLS (17 first-round picks).
 
Brown and Flanagan were both first-team all-conference choices on the USF backline during the 2019 season. Hernandez’s selection in the first round marked the fourth straight season that a member of SMU was taken in the first round.
 
2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas
American Athletic Conference Selections
 
First Round
15. Nicky Hernandez, SMU (FC Dallas)
23. Javain Brown, USF (Vancouver Whitecaps FC)
 
Second Round
29. Avionne Flanagan, USF (FC Cincinnati)
 
Third Round
57. Brandon Terwege, SMU (Houston Dynamo)
72. Talen Maples, SMU (Toronto FC)