Sounders take Akron's Zakuani with first pick

ST. LOUIS -- The expansion Seattle Sounders FC have taken University of Akron forward Steve Zakuani with the first pick of the MLS SuperDraft.

The 20-year-old Zakuani led the nation with 20 goals and 27 points this season as a sophomore. He was Soccer America's player of the year and was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, given to the top NCAA Division I player.

Toronto FC selected Wake Forest midfielder Sam Cronin, another Hermann finalist, with the second pick. Cronin had 10 goals and four assists in his senior season.

The Los Angeles Galaxy took defender Omar Gonzalez of national champion Maryland with the third pick. The 6-foot-5, 210-pound Gonzalez was the most outstanding defensive player in the NCAA College Cup.