A few things to know about Josh Bauer and Aiden McFadden, who were selected by Atlanta United in Thursday’s MLS draft. Bauer, a centerback from New Hampshire, was selected in the second round. McFadden, a midfielder from Notre Dame, was selected in the third.
1. Bauer was projected to be a top-10 pick, but inexplicably fell into the second round. Atlanta United Vice President Carlos Bocanegra said weird things happen on draft day sometimes.
Bauer said it doesn’t matter now and that he is excited to join the club.
2. McFadden seemed genuinely surprised to be drafted. He has eligibility remaining and has almost completed his work to graduate. He said he got a text Thursday that said he had been drafted. He described it as completing a dream.
3. McFadden is majoring in business analytics with a minor related to education. His thesis paper is about the LEGO company and education. He said it’s a toy he played with as a child. No, there weren’t any in view around him during Thursday’s Zoom call.
4. Bauer worked out for Atlanta United more than a year ago as part of a collegiate junket of players. They did agility drills and scrimmaged. McFadden hadn’t worked out for Atlanta United.
5. Neither Bauer nor McFadden know much about Atlanta, but both said they are looking forward to experiencing the city. McFadden doesn’t have a favorite Atlanta rapper. Bauer said his grandmother said they have ties to the city.
6. Bauer was two-time defender of the year in the America East Conference.
7. McFadden finished with six goals and six assists at Notre Dame.
8. Scouting reports described Bauer as already fulfilling his potential. Bauer disagreed, saying, “I’ve read that and seen that and people seem to think I’ve reached my ceiling. To some degree, I use that as another chip on my shoulder. I look forward to going into camp and improving on my development. I look forward to honing in on that with the coaching staff.”
9. Bauer said he tries to model his game on Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos ... to a degree. “I try to stay away from that (chippiness). But there something to be said for his confidence and leadership. Something I try to emulate.”
10. McFadden was a freshman when former Atlanta United Jon Gallagher was a senior. McFadden said he tries to work as hard as Gallagher, which is something Notre Dame emphasizes for every player, every time he trains or plays.
Credit: JEFFREY A. CAMARATI
Credit: JEFFREY A. CAMARATI
About the Author
