The roar of the crowd at Memorial Stadium has always been fervent, but now that passion is echoing across MLS draft rooms nationwide. In the 2026 MLS SuperDraft, the club reached a seismic milestone: an unprecedented six former Asheville City players were called to the professional ranks. This staggering achievement not only obliterated the club’s previous best but also tied for the most alumni produced by any USL League Two club this year.
The Record-Breaking Six
The newest crop of "Blues" to turn pro represents a diverse array of talent poised to make an immediate impact at the highest level:
Issah Haruna (Midfielder, Orlando City SC): Selected in the 1st Round (#20), Haruna brings the dynamic playmaking that made him a standout at UNC Greensboro and a fan favorite in Asheville.
Dylan Kropp (Defender, Real Salt Lake): Another 1st Round selection (#25), the UNC Chapel Hill product was a defensive pillar whose leadership helped anchor the Blues’ backline.
Edouard Nys (Midfielder, FC Dallas): Taken in the 2nd Round (#40), the Belgian native from UIC was the architect of the
Tarun Karumanchi (Midfielder, New York Red Bulls): Selected in the 2nd Round (#50), the UCLA standout provided the physical "bite" and composure required in the engine room.
Max Miller (Defender, CF Montréal): A 3rd Round pick (#63) out of Kentucky, Miller’s versatility and tactical discipline made him a constant threat on the wings.
Agustín Resch (Defender, Houston Dynamo FC): Chosen in the 3rd Round (#69), the Seton Hall giant was a set-piece nightmare and a commanding presence in the air.
A Pipeline Unrivaled: 14 Pros in Four Years
This isn’t a one-off success story. Asheville City Soccer Club has steadily built a reputation as a national launching pad, producing an astounding 14 former Blues in the last four drafts. While 2024 saw no selections, that year served as the vital foundation—an undefeated regular season and a run to the National Semifinals that put these very players on the scouts' radar.
The Momentum of the Blues:
2026: 6 Players (Current Club Record; National Leader)
2025: 3 Players (Ryan Baer, Charlie Harper, Nico Cavallo)
2024: 0 Players (The "Foundation" Year / National Semifinal Run)
2023: 5 Players (The Initial Surge)
A Community Legacy
What this means for Western North Carolina is clear: Memorial Stadium is now a premier proving ground. Local fans are witnessing the very beginnings of professional careers, forging a unique connection to the sport’s rising stars. As these 14 alumni embark on their MLS journeys, they carry the vibrant energy of the "South Slope Blues" with them.
WNCTimes