MLS Draft: D.C. United takes Louisville midfielder Nick DeLeon

D.C. United took the next step in its roster overhaul Thursday when it selected Louisville midfielder Nick DeLeon with the seventh overall pick in the 2012 Major League Soccer draft.

An attacking-minded outside midfielder who played on the left side in college, DeLeon adds more offensive flexibility to a team that features 2011 MLS most valuable player Dwayne De Rosario, midfielder Andy Najar and midfielder-forward Chris Pontius.

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DeLeon, who already has signed with MLS, had six goals and six assists for the Cardinals in 2011 and finished with 14 goals and nine assists in two seasons at Louisville.

“My goal, honestly, is just to get on the field and become a playmaker for D.C. United,” DeLeon said. “That’s the kind of influence I have had on the other teams I played for. I want to keep it going and bring my game to D.C. United.”

United grabbed DeLeon, 21, two picks after Chivas USA selected the highest-rated local player, Maryland forward Casey Townsend. Townsend scored 17 goals for the Terrapins as a senior and finished tied for third on Maryland’s all-time scoring list with 43 goals. The Chicago Fire selected Virginia defender Hunter Jumper in the second round, 28th overall.

The expansion Montreal Impact selected Duke defender-midfielder Andrew Wenger with the first overall pick. Akron forward Darren Mattocks was selected second overall by the Vancouver Whitecaps and UCLA forward Kelyn Rowe and UC Santa Barbara midfielder Luis Silva were taken third and fourth by the New England Revolution and Toronto FC, respectively.

The selection of DeLeon gives United Coach Ben Olsen more depth in midfield as Pontius recovers from a broken right leg that ended his 2011 season. It could also allow Olsen to move Pontius up top when the fourth-year player is fit.

“We’re pretty comfortable where Chris is at right now, but it’s no secret that Chris is still struggling from his injury,” Olsen said. “It’s going to take a little bit of time. Midfield was a priority; forward was a priority in this draft. . . . We’ll have to wait and see where [DeLeon’s] best position is. My hope, foreseeing him with the group, is he can be some wide midfield help for us.”

DeLeon’s father, Leroy DeLeon, played internationally for Trinidad and Tobago and also played for the Washington Diplomats in the North American Soccer League from 1974 to 1977.

DeLeon said he prefers to play on the left side of the midfield but would be open to playing elsewhere. He also expressed his excitement at playing with De Rosario, and a nickname pairing was already mentioned — “DeLo” to pair with “DeRo.”

“De Rosario is my player in MLS, that’s the guy I want to emulate,” DeLeon said. “To play with him is breathtaking. I’m excited, super excited for that opportunity.”

United has a history of playing rookies if team officials believe they are ready, and recent picks Pontius (seventh overall, 2009) and Perry Kitchen (third overall, 2011) stepped almost immediately into featured starting roles.

Olsen said he believed DeLeon could be another player that can be inserted immediately into the lineup.

“The style he plays is fun to watch,” Olsen said. “I think he translates physically to the pro game. He’s one of the few guys in this draft I think physically is ready to be plugged in and help a team right away. You never know how these guys work out mentally and once the challenges of playing pro soccer hit them, but we’re confident that he’s a guy that will step up to the next level and a big piece for us next year.”