From Chicago Fire to Vancouver Whitecaps, we asked supporter groups to help us assess what clubs are looking for in the 2012 MLS draft in our SuperDraft guide

Time for the first big exercise in chin stroking, head scratching and wonky algorithms of the Republican caucuses MLS season. Yes, it's SuperDraft time.

The SuperDraft is one of those MLS rituals that can seem impossibly arcane to outsiders, but basically allows all MLS teams to go through two rounds (down from previous years) of picking from a roster of around 60 invited players, most of whom have come through the US college NCAA ranks. Like many MLS initiatives, the draft is weighted to supposedly benefit the health and competitiveness of the league as a whole, by distributing access to young talent fairly (MLS, rather than the individual clubs, owns the players' registrations). Generally speaking, this means that the order of the draft picks is based on the teams who finished lowest in the MLS standings the previous season getting the first choices.

Lest this system of meritocracy descend into something terrible like Socialism though, there is plenty of room within the draft for back room deals, allocation swaps, and the residual effects of the previous season's seemed-like-a-good-idea-at-the-time trade moves, where players would have moved between clubs for 'future considerations'. So whilst supporters of high picking teams like Montréal Impact (picking 1st overall for their debut MLS season), Vancouver Whitecaps (2), New England (3), Toronto (4) may be hoping for the arrival of a young starlet to go straight into the team, other teams' fans may be wondering if their side will strategically trade for a higher pick amidst the always entertaining theatre of scurrying around between team tables that is the live draft unfolding.

Of those scheduled late pickers, defending champions LA Galaxy are obviously scheduled to pick last in both rounds, but behind the Beckham/Keane/Donovan headlines Bruce Arena has shrewdly assembled a deep squad and tried to develop young players within a well-drilled unit. One of those players, Omar Gonzalez (a first round LA draft pick in 2009), was MLS defender of the year last season, but suffered a freakish ACL injury on the first day of training with his new loan club Nürnberg last week - so Arena may be tempted to trade up his pick if there's a stand out defender available. Of other late pickers, Real Salt Lake have experienced some off-season midfield and defensive turnover due to trades, retirements and the expansion draft and with their consistent core of the last few years finally beginning to break up, they may make some moves too.

So there's plenty of intrigue and no little talent going into the draft. Regular contributor and college expert Travis Clark has been casting an eye over said talent and will write a review of the players available this week. So we're not relying on total guesswork, but what of their possible destinations? We asked fans, writers and message boards around the country for what they think their team needs, what they expect, and what their team's best ever showing in the draft was. Here are the results:

Chicago Fire

Picking 9th, 23rd (pick traded from Toronto) and 28th

Dan Martin, Director of Communications for Section 8 Chicago

What does the team need?

First and foremost: goals, or someone to set them up - a solid prospect at center forward or creative central midfield would be very welcome. Beyond that, left back is another position that is hard to fill and could use some shoring up.

What do you expect?

I expect a good draft choice, honestly. Looking back over previous drafts we've seen some very good picks that have contributed greatly to the team and had notable careers, both in MLS and later abroad. Additionally, I think the club's management has shown in recent years to be adept at working within the structure of the draft to trade draft picks for players from other teams and vice versa.

How did last years' picks fare?

Jalil Anibaba had a great rookie season in defense. I think the only other Fire draftee that made it through the pre-season into league play, Davis Paul, saw the field once with the first team and had a handful of reserve games before being waived.

What was the team's best ever draft?

This is a tough question. If you mean "the best quality player ever obtained" I'd have to say Carlos Bocanegra in 2000. If you go for "best draft for player acquisition as a whole" I'd say the class of 2005 when Chad Barrett, Chris Rolfe, and Gonzalo Segares (who is also still with the club) were taken.

Chivas USA

Picking 5th

Julio Ramos, "Chivas Mayor", Union Ultras

What does the team need?

We need stability. Last year was defensively terrible. We produced offensively, but...

What do you expect?

I expect that we sign a player, regardless of position, who will stay and develop with the team, not just play for one season.

How did last years' picks fare?

This year's draft performance was upsetting to me, Victor Estupinan never got a chance and now he is gone. Zarek Valentin had too many chances and now he's gone too (he made all the mistakes he's going to make in his career in one season with us...).

What was the team's best ever draft?

Jonathan Bornstein and Sacha Kljestan from the 2006 SuperDraft, went on to be key players in the short history of Chivas USA.

Colorado Rapids

Picking 14th

Todd Hagerty, Pid Army

What does the team need?

Help on the wings is the area with the most need. Jaime Smith is perpetually injured, Nyassi was selected by Montreal and Wells Thompson is well...Wells Thompson. This leaves 35-year old Brian Mullen as the most productive player on the wing.

What do you expect

Not much. Technical director Paul Bravo has stressed that an understanding of the college system and drafting is very important. That being said, the Rapids draft history is woeful to say the least. Filling out the roster with cheap college players post-draft is about as much as I expect.

How did last years' picks fare?

Not well, Eddie Ababio demonstrated brief moments of adequacy in the CCL. Colin Givens, who is he?

What was the team's best ever draft?

2007 - when Omar Cummings and Nick Labrocca were selected.

Columbus Crew

Picking 10th, 26th and 29th

Ben Hoelzel, VP of Crew Supporters Union

What does the team need?

Short answer: offense. The Crew were dismal on the attack last year. They lacked speed, creativity, and finishing prowess. Also, the team's leading scorer from 2011, Andres Mendoza, was released from the club.

What do you expect?

I would not expect too much from the draft. However, the Front Office is set to have a very active off season. The Crew have already signed Chilean playmaker Milovan Mirosevic and are set to sign Costa Rican striker Olman Vargas.

How did last years' picks fare?

The jury is still out on what lasting impact the 2011 draft will have on the club. But it appears to be one of the best drafts in recent memory. Rich Balchan was impressive and secured a starting job at outside back by mid-season. Justin Meram was used primarily as a late substitute and showed flashes of potential.

What was the team's best ever draft?

The 2001 Super Draft is probably the only draft where more than one impact player was selected in the same year. 'Saint' Duncan Oughton was selected in the first round. He went on to play for the Black and Gold for 10 seasons. Edson Buddle was selected in the Third Round and scored 42 goals in 102 appearances for the Crew.

FC Dallas

11th

Jon Beard, VP of Inferno; Sean Dorwaldt, Pres. Dallas Football Elite

What does the team need?

After the acquisitions of Blas Perez and Hernan Pertuz, my opinion is that FCD's starting XI is pretty much set, and that there's now just a need for depth. Most positions have at least one player pushing the starter for minutes, but Right Mid and Right Back are a concern. (JB)

What do you expect?

Schellas is known for grabbing solid players that were 4 year starters and contributed a lot of minutes for their Universities. I wouldn't be surprised to see Aaron Maund who is a 6-1 185 senior center back four year starter at University of Notre Dame. Other considerations would be UNC's Kirk Urso and UCLA's Andy Rose. (SD)

How did the picks from last year fare?

Our big pick Bobby Warshaw did ok. He is a solid soccer player and seems to have a great upside. I'm not 100% on him as a starter right now, but he definitely is a solid contributor off the bench. (SD)

What was the team's best ever draft?

For me it's a toss-up between 2004 (Ramon Nunez, Clarence Goodson, David Wagenfuhr), and 2008 (Brek Shea, Eric Avila) with 2010 a close third (Zach Loyd, Andrew Wiedeman, Eric Alexander) (JB)

DC United

Picking 7th

Kim Kolb, member of Screaming Eagles Supporters Group and author of NestLiner Blog

What does the team need?

A left back, an attacking midfielder, a striker, and roster depth.

The contracts of a majority of the team's depth players were not renewed at the end of last season, so finding players to support the regulars will be a priority.

What do you expect?

Honestly, I never expect too much from the draft itself. I think United will get a solid player at the #7 pick, and they can fill the depth issues with the Supplemental Draft the following week.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Last year was a great draft for United, in fact, the best in a long time. All four players made the roster and made significant contributions. Perry Kitchen led the team in minutes played and served the team in at least three different positions. Chris Korb played some quality minutes at RB, and Joe Willis moved up to the backup goalkeeper role and Supplemental pick Blake Brettscheider became a solid addition at forward.

What was the team's best ever draft?

Looking back, United generally hasn't had the best of luck at the various incarnations of the draft, but did a marvellous job back in 2001. Of the 7 players, 5 made significant contributions, including future captain Ryan Nelsen, Santino Quaranta and Bryan Namoff, who were key elements of the 2004 MLS Championship team.

Houston Dynamo

Picking 18th and 37th

Zach Woosley, Managing Editor, Dynamo Theory blog

What does the team need?

The Dynamo have two glaring needs going in to the 2012 season. With Brian Ching gone, a physical forward with the ability to hold up the ball and a true central attacking midfielder would be nice additions.

What do you expect?

Given that Houston has the 18th and 37th picks, the expectations have to be a bit measured. To be honest, finding a guy that makes the roster, let alone being a regular contributor, would be a bonus. Wouldn't shock me to see the Dynamo work some kind of trade (at the draft) either.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Will Bruin was everything the Dynamo could have hoped for and more. He has all the makings of a potential star in this league and already has a hat trick in his resume - not bad. Kofi Sarkodie was probably the bigger name coming out of the draft but never really broke through with the first team.

What was the team's best ever draft?

As long as Bruin and Sarkodie continue to develop, 2011 will be the team's best draft ever. For the moment though, it has to be the 2008 SuperDraft when the Dynamo quietly selected Geoff Cameron with the 42nd overall pick (last pick in the 3rd round).

Sporting Kansas City

Picking 16th and 30th

Sean Dane, Kansas City Cauldron Hype Man

What does the team need?

Top of the list, a possessing midfielder, someone to distribute the ball to our talented front line and still be solid defensively in the middle.

What do you expect?

I expect Peter Vermes to focus on the midfield and defensive backs. But it all depends on who is the best pick available. Peter is always looking to acquire the best talent possible - not just what position we need at the moment.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Better than all the rest. C.J. Sapong was MLS Rookie of the Year; 5 regular season goals and 1 in the playoffs; training with the US National team right now. He seems to bring a new level of energy when he is on the pitch. C.J. quickly became a fan favorite and social media master.

What was the team's best ever draft?

As a whole draft its hard to argue against 2000. We drafted Nick Garcia and Kerry Zavagnin that year. They combined for over 400 team appearances. If you look at individual picks you could add Davy Arnaud with Nick and Kerry. Depending on what the future holds Matt Besler and / or C.J. Sapong could easily be added to that list.

LA Galaxy

Picking 19th and 38th

Josie Becker, Galaxy Blog LAG Confidential

What does the team need?

As far as team needs, the Galaxy have been renting two midfielders and a center back the last two years, and those loans have come to term - so I expect those to be the areas of focus in the draft.

What do you expect?

Simply put, Galaxy fans expect Bruce Arena to bring in instant contributors.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Paolo Cardozo was an important squad player - someone who could be brought on as a kickstarter to get the offense moving quickly. Hector Jimenez hasn't really had a chance to show yet.

What was the team's best ever draft?

One 2010 draft pick (Michael Stephens) is on the short list for the Olympic team. Two of the Galaxy's draft picks from 2009 (AJ DeLaGarza and Omar Gonzalez) have been receiving attention from the US National team, with one (Gonzalez) winning MLS Defender of the Year honors last season.

Montreal Impact

Picking 1st and 20th

Christian Borque, Ultras Montréal

What does the team need?

So far, coach Marsch has done a great job in building a fairly balanced squad, with a good mix of experience (Bernier, Arnaud, Rivas, Mapp, Ricketts, etc) and young talent (Justin Braun, Zarek Valentin, Bryan Arguez). Building from the back too! Now we need a striker with good finishing skills and maybe a central defender as well.

What do you expect?

Since we cannot know the plans for designated players here at the club, it's hard to see what the club will do this week. When it comes to the SuperDraft, very few in recent times have made a true impact with their teams year one. Looking at this draft and ahead to the next 2 to 5 years, DeLeon, Townsend and Luis Silva seem to be primary targets up front. However, reports on Matt Hedges are all positive as a central D.

New England Revolution

Picking 3rd and 22nd

Christopher Camille, Secretary, Midnight Riders

What does the team need?

Every position could be improved upon after a deplorable 2011 but the team probably needs wingers and strikers more than anything else.

What do you expect?

With a new coach and re-shuffled front office we don't know what to expect. The importance of the draft has decreased with the increase in league-wide club spending and overseas players so we are hoping the team does not rely entirely on the draft.

How did the picks from last year fare?

The picks from last year have done pretty well thanks to center back A.J. Soares. He put together a very impressive rookie campaign. Soares is a defender you can build a team around. Combative Midfielder Stephen McCarthy also performed well before a shoulder injury ended his season.

What was the team's best ever draft?

Hands down the 2002 MLS draft was the clubs best. The Revs picked the best striker in league history, Taylor Twellman with the second pick. He scored 101 goals in 174 games for the club and if it wasn't for recurring concussions he would still be scoring goals for us. The Revs also picked another legend, Shalrie Joseph, in the second round. He has made the MLS best XI four times and has made 243 appearances (and counting) for the club.

New York Red Bulls

Picking 31st

Dan Ryazansky, Editor, MetroFanatic; Brent Gamit, member of Empire Supporters Club

What does the team need?

So far, they have shored up the back by acquiring a CB from Scandinavia, and signing a player who was on our Academy team but recently played in Scandinavia (see the pattern?). If anything, the team needs serviceable depth, not guys sitting on the bench who contribute minimal minutes.(BG)

What do you expect?

What with the unceremonious dumping of both Richie Williams and Des McAleenan, I am not quite sure as to what the Scandinavian brain trust will do. Maybe they draft midfielders who can fill in when our older midfielders are injured due to fixture congestion or something similar. (BG)

How did the picks from last year fare?

Terrible. Corey Hertzog and John Rooney saw minimal playing time, although both scored in the Open Cup. Tyler Lassiter and Teddy Schneider only appeared in the Open Cup. Of the six draftees, only one (Hertzog) is still on the team. (DR)

What was the team's best ever draft?

2003, when Metro drafted Ricardo Clark, Mike Magee, and Eddie Gaven. All solid MLS players, all MLS champions... elsewhere. Also, in 2004, with Seth Stammler, Michael Bradley, and taking Jeff Parke with the very last draft pick must be mentioned. (DR)

Portland Timbers

Picking 8th and 27th

Roger Anthony, The 107ist

What does the team need?

The holes most in need of patching are on the touchlines; outside mids and wingers have great speed and potential, but combined to score just one goal all season. The backline in general needs more quality and experience.

What do you expect?

The Timbers were like the new kid in the casino at last year's draft, making three draft-day deals. There are a lot of draft-worthy right backs, though none are rated in the top 10. Given their needs and track record for wheeling and dealing, it would be a surprise if they kept their No. 8 pick. They can drop down a few slots and still get Mykell Bates, a fullback from University of Santa Clara.

How did the picks from last year fare?

First-round pick (No. 2 overall) Darlington Nagbe was injured in training camp and took awhile to settle in; he showed a tantalizing versatility once Coach John Spencer moved him to the middle of the field. Second-round pick Chris Taylor, a left fullback, showed potential in reserve matches, but saw no first-team action.

What was the team's best ever draft?

If Taylor is felt to be ready for the next level, it will help both the 2011 and 2012 drafts.

Philadelphia Union

Picking 13th, 32nd and 35th (spot traded from Sporting Kansas City)

Corey Furlan, VP of Sons of Ben

What does the team need?

They've addressed a lot already with the off-season signings, but maybe some depth in the back - another outside back, especially if Williams goes to the Olympics. Maybe somebody up top to complement Le Toux.

What do you expect?

Management has added three Central Americans (Gabriel Gomez, Josue Martinez and Porfirio Lopez), of whom at least two look like definite starters. This may make up for the fact that we've never drafted this far down the order. Conceivably a goalkeeper for cover...

How did the picks from last year fare?

Zac MacMath stepped in as substitute keeper and started every game in a 7 game unbeaten streak, so it's hard to complain about him. The Farfans both played fantastically throughout the year and started regularly.

What was the team's best ever draft?

You have to look at the three players we took from the first seven picks in 2010 (Danny Mwanga, Amobi Okugo and Jack McInerney), who are all still with the team. Not that last year was bad either.

Real Salt Lake

Picking 17th, 24th (from Chivas) and 36th

Denzel Eslinger, Editor, RSL Soapbox

What does the team need?

While we lost a number of midfield players due to the expansion draft, re-entry draft, retirement, and by not picking up options, I think the losses on defense will be ones that will have to be dealt with as a higher priority as it is where there is the least amount of depth currently.

What do you expect?

I expect that RSL will likely stick to their philosophy of looking for talented players who they believe they can take their time with and develop into contributing players in a couple of years. That means I expect they will probably be looking to fill the midfield spots with the draft, and may look to the transfer market for defenders and perhaps a midfielder who can step in right away. With lower draft picks it is unlikely, barring a trade, that RSL will be able to find a player who will contribute much in 2012.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Last year RSL traded their first round pick to Chivas USA for allocation money, our only pick was Jarad vanSchaik who we took with the 52nd pick but he didn't make our final roster. 2010 was a great year for RSL in the draft - getting Collen Warner (who was selected by Montreal in the recent expansion draft) and Chris Schuler, who is developing into a very good defender.

What was the team's best ever draft?

I actually think RSL hasn't done well via the draft the last few years, as success on the pitch has moved our selections lower and lower in the draft - but clearly the most successful draft pick ever for RSL has to be Tony Beltran. He was the first draft pick of the new leadership (coach Jason Kreis, GM Garth Lagerway, and President Bill Manning) and as the #3 pick in the 2008 SuperDraft I think he has become one of the very best outside backs in MLS.

San Jose Earthquakes

Picking 6th, 25th and 33rd

Donald Rickard, Board Member, San Jose Casbah

What does the team need?

I believe that the team needs 2 things that we have not addressed in this offseason, a central midfielder and a backup forward for the long stretches of the season.

What do you expect?

I expect us to pick up a couple solid players that will fill positional needs for the team as that is usually how are drafts go. I wouldn't be surprised if we traded away one of the 3 picks for allocation money or a 2nd string player from another team.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Last year we only drafted Ampai (Anthony Ampaipitakwong) and he has turned out to be a solid player that has good ball control. We were able to trade for Steven Leinhart last year during the draft, who had a big impact for us at the beginning of the season and we expect great things going forward.

What was the team's best ever draft?

I think since the team has come back our best draft pick has been Ike Opara (2010). Our best over our history was probably either Todd Dunivant (2002) or Eddie Lewis (1996).

Seattle Sounders

Picking 15th and 34th

Samuel Chesneau, Gorilla FC member; Gregory Mockos, co-president Emerald City Supporters

What does the team need?

Personally I would love to see a Central Attacking Midfielder and solid backups for the attacking fullbacks we tend to use for our style of play. We need depth and rotation for all the competitions we are in this year. (GM)

What do you expect?

They will most likely look to add to the depth of the reserve squad with a forward or a center back, possibly an attacking midfielder that will be given time to develop. Due to their low drafting position, if the opportunity presents itself to nab a Generation Adidas player they will most likely take that, since GA players don't count towards their salary cap. (SC)

How did the picks from last year fare?

3 of the 5 picks remain with the team, 4 if you count the 2nd keeper we picked up in the supplemental draft afterwards. Servando Carrassco had the most playing time as a backup to Osvaldo Alonso, and Michael Tetteh has strong upside, but still remains a question mark. Both keepers drafted last year look to be battling for the backup position to new signing Michael Gspurning. (SC)

What was the team's best ever draft?

Well obviously we were well positioned in the draft for our inaugural year, but even with that advantage it has to be 2009 and Zakuani. I know he missed a lot of last year through injury but he was someone who came out all guns blazing in his first year, really filled a vacuum we had had in that roster and had an immediate impact in MLS. (GM)

Toronto FC

Picking 4th and 12th (from NYRB)

Boris Aguilar, Executive Member, Red Patch Boys

What does the team need?

The team is in dire need of a proper defensive line. I think that we are in a healthier situation in our front and mid lines, but our defense is less than stellar.

What do you expect?

Hard to say. In MLS, the academy system is relatively new and beginning to impact teams but we tend to fall back to the North American system of bringing in youth and thats the draft. It is very hard to gauge how a player will play that comes from the draft as they're mostly college players who've had minimal experience in the professional system.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Most of last years draft picks were placed on the reserve roster and others were let go. Overall, I think Toronto didn't fare as well with the 2011 draft as we did other years. The one bright spot was our fourth round pick, Joao Plata from Ecuador. He is a 5'2 striker with the heart of a lion.

What was the team's best ever draft?

It is very hard to really pick one as Toronto has generally done well in the draft. Three names come to mind anytime I'm asked this question: Joao Plata and Stefan Frei (2009) have done wonders with our team and will have strong careers at any club they are in. However, Maurice Edu, who was Toronto's first ever draft pick (in 2007) would likely be the person that I pick as our best ever draft pick. He had an incredible award-winning rookie season, before being transferred to Rangers.

Vancouver Whitecaps

Drafting 2nd and 21st

Brenton Walters, Director of External Communications, Vancouver Southsiders

What does the team need?

The Whitecaps need solid players that can consistently perform at the MLS level. We also need stability in the front office and a coach who will be around for more than half a season. We think we have that in Martin Rennie, a Scotsman who has an impressive North American managing record.

What do you expect?

We hope that the team approaches the draft knowing that most players may not be MLS quality. The MLS draft system is overly complex and seems focused more on league promotion than anything else.

How did the picks from last year fare?

Our picks from last year were largely ineffectual, with only Michael Boxall, a New Zealand international, getting any real playing time. Our top pick (and the top pick overall) was a 17-year-old striker, Omar Salgado, who will take time to develop.

What was the team's best ever draft?

Because we joined MLS last season, we only have gone through one draft. Michael Boxall was decent at centre back, but Omar's potential is far greater and he could be a star striker in MLS.

Please share your thoughts below. We will have live coverage of the 2012 Draft on Thursday.