The San Jose Earthquakes traded their first round pick in the 2011 MLS Superdraft and allocation money today to the Columbus Crew for a player to be named later. The Crew used that pick to select forward Justin Meram. The University of Michigan product, and comes as no surprise, given that the Crew has stated their need for additional attack-minded players. Initial reports from the media in Columbus have forward Steven Lenhart moving to San Jose.
Projected as a middle first-round prospect, Meram is a very nice pick-up for the Crew at the #15 overall pick in the draft. The college senior scored 17 goals and had 8 assists in his final season at Michigan. At the recently conducted MLS Combine in Florida, the 6’ 1” striker did not tally any points in three matches.
The Earthquakes have a second in the 2011 MLS Superdraft, and will make that selection at #33 overall — 15th in the second round. Their third round pick in this year’s draft was used to acquire current defender Tim Ward in a 2010 midseason trade.