The primary decide of the 2025 MLS SuperDraft noticed D.C. United choose defender Nikola Markovic out of NC State first general on Thursday. A pure middle again, Markovic additionally has expertise in MLS Subsequent Professional with CF Montreal and may have the powerful process of serving to enhance the squad’s protection as they undergo a rebuilding 12 months. Just one crew conceded greater than D.C. United’s 66 objectives final season, and whereas they’ve acquired striker Tai Baribo from the Philadelphia Union to fill the opening left by Christian Benteke, defenders like Markovic are wanted as effectively.

Certainly one of 4 underclassmen to signal a Technology Adidas contract with MLS, this allowed him to have the ability to be drafted after his sophomore 12 months, the place he was named the ACC Defensive Participant of the Yr and likewise led his NC State crew to a championship sport look within the NCAA School Cup. D.C. United count on Markovic to be a first-team participant who can slot in instantly into the squad. On account of these NCAA commitments, Markovic missed the MLS Mix, however D.C. United have been capable of ship a coach to scout him additional, showcasing their intent on focusing on the defender.

“Bolstering the protection is essential to us in addition to the attacking, however I feel what Nikola delivered to the desk was not simply that he was a pacesetter on the pitch, which we noticed, however he is additionally an important chief off the pitch,” D.C. United Managing Director of Soccer Operations Dr. Erkut Sogut stated. “I feel the character and the character scouting performed an enormous position for us.”

With Rene Weiler taking on this season, D.C. United expect to play a high-tempo model of soccer the place urgent is essential and Markovic spoke to how the plan additionally fits him as a participant. Specializing in character can be essential when a crew like D.C. United have undergone a lot change, not solely relating to the teaching workers but in addition with the roster.

“I do know D.C. United has a wealthy historical past, and I am glad to be a part of it as a result of I do know that we will obtain one thing excellent, and after the dialog I’ve had with the workers from D.C., I imagine of their plan. I feel that they will make this crew nice once more, and I am glad to be part of that, and I felt like they’d an excellent plan for me. So, I am tremendous excited to be right here as a result of I really feel prefer it’s the fitting spot for me,” Markovic stated.

The drafting did not cease there as D.C. United additionally moved as much as purchase the New England Revolution’s decide at No. 8, which they used to pick out ahead Richie Aman out of Washington. With that choice, they’re ready so as to add extra to the assault in help of Baribo whereas additionally ensuring that an excessive amount of stress will not be on Markovic and his protection, though the younger defender appears ready for what’s to return.

This is how the primary spherical of the MLS SuperDraft went:

MLS SuperDraft first spherical outcomes