PHILADELPHIA – The LA Galaxy bolstered their midfield by drafting Stanford midfielder Drew Skundrich with the 40th overall selection in the second round of the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.
Skundrich, 22, was not only the second selection of the draft but also their second pick from Stanford University. A force in the center of the park, Skundrich was an integral piece of the Cardinal’s three-straight College Cup championship teams, making 82 appearances in four seasons in Palo Alto.
“I’m a workhorse in the middle of the field. I can play center midfield and I can play outside back," he told LA Galaxy Insider. "I just like to break down plays. I play simple and connect passes well. I’m just an engine in the midfield trying to drive things forward."
During his time with the Cardinal, Skundrich caught the attention of Galaxy assistant Dominic Kinnear during his time with the San Jose Earthquakes who was eager to bring him to the fold.
“He reminded me of JJ Koval who I had previously in San Jose,” Kinnear said. "He plays in the central midfield and he plays with tons of energy. He’s a good leader.”
Skundrich joins a team loaded with midfielders, but with the preseason fast approaching, the draftee is ready to get to work and earn his place with the Galaxy.
“I want to take the team back to the rich history that it has and get to the top of the league again,” he says.
