Justin McMaster and Javain Brown were selected by Minnesota United and the Vancouver Whitecaps, respectively, in the MLS Super Draft earlier today.
McMaster, a Wake Forest forward, the 17th pick in the draft, became the first player from Hillel Academy in Jamaica to be drafted in the MLS.
Minnesota acquired the 17th pick from New York City FC. In return, they sent NYCFC US$50,000 in general-allocation money (GAM). There is a conditional 25K GAM to be paid if McMaster plays 25 games in the 2021 and 2022 seasons combined.
GAM is often used by MLS clubs to reduce the amount that a non-Designated Player costs against the salary cap down to the league minimum salary or reduce the amount that a Designated Player costs against the salary cap down to $150,000. GAM is also used to sign players new to MLS.
McMaster, who represented Jamaica at the U15 and U17 levels, played for Swallowfield FC and Cavalier SC in Jamaica before leaving for college in the United States.
Brown, 21, a former Kingston College defender was selected by the Vancouver Whitecaps as the 23rd overall pick. The University of South Florida right-back ended up at Vancouver after they acquired the pick from Sporting FC.
Brown has represented Jamaica at the U20 and U23 levels and also played for Harbour View FC and Santos before departing for the United States.