Expansion Draft: A bit of a surprise…

Posted by bbonnette on 11/25/09 • Categorized as Features

Alejandro Moreno, welcome to the Union

Alejandro Moreno, welcome to the Union

The 10 are released and looking at this you must expect a lot of transactions in the next couple months. Steve Goff of Soccer Insider broke the story of Real Salt Lake back-up keeper and top American youth prospect Chris Seitz coming to the Union for allocation money. There must be some big plans ahead because the players taken were on the “cheap side” and many look like future starters…not quite 2009 starters (which really should be what we expect from the expansion draft).

“There was a lot going on behind the scenes that I can’t tell you about” – Piotr Nowak

Selected:

CHICAGO: David Myrie (DF)

21-year old Costa Rican international. Only signed with the Fire a little over two months ago.

CHIVAS USA: Shavar Thomas (DF)

A big, solid starting centreback. 28-years old and a Jamaican international that has proven himself on the professional stage. A tad injury prone over the last couple years.

COLORADO: Jordan Harvey (DF)

A solid left-back. Spent some years in the reserves and was fantastic this season for Gary Smith.

COLUMBUS: Alejandro Moreno (FW)

Despite his floppiness (diving), he is one of the hardest workers in the league. Who would have thought that he would be one of the oldest picked?

DC UNITED: Andrew Jacobsen (MF)

Solid young midfield prospect with a great blend of defensive and offensive qualities.

FC DALLAS: PASSED

HOUSTON: PASSED

KANSAS CITY: PASSED

LOS ANGELES: Stefani Miglioranzi (MF)

Kind of like Jacobsen in qualities but a player that has been a significant part of big teams. 2008’s Columbus, 2009’s Los Angeles.

NEW ENGLAND: Brad Knighton (GK)

When Matt Reis was out mid-season, Knighton stepped in admirably. He had his negative moments but if the Seitz rumors are true, it could be an interesting one-two.

NEW YORK: Nick Zimmerman (MF)

Young but very promising winger. One of the few bright spots of the Red Bulls this season.

REAL SALT LAKE: PASSED

SAN JOSE: Shea Salinas (MF)

Wow. I did not see this actually happening. No Convey and the right pick is taken. Salinas has a LOT of up-side. If his finishing improves, this kid could be a great winger in this league.

SEATTLE: Sebastian Le Toux (MF/FW)

Le Toux Legit to Quit. A slower – compared to Zimmerman and Salinas in my book – but very effective and versatile winger/striker.  On the young side as well.

TORONTO FC: PASSED

So Union fans, what’s the verdict? Are you happy with the draft? Who did we really miss the boat? Sad to see not one area product picked? Assign a grade and support your choice in the comments section below

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  • Peter C
    Would have taken Mathis, but if there is deal for Seitz which included a pass on the draft(as reported by Soccer Insider), then I get that. Of course, there must be more than that, otherwise why not just draft Seitz?

    Like the emphasis on youth.

    Had Thomas, Harvey, Salinas and Thomas on my list.

    Glad they didn't take Convey(and his salary).

    Will need to acquire speed up front.

    2009 Base Salaries for first ten is just over $615,000. That would leave an average of over $120,000 to fill out a 24 man roster. Just a rough outline, as drafted players salaries can be renegotiated up or down. And the big unknown is the upcoming CBA talks.

    Plenty of cap space for a DP.
  • Well put and speed up top is a must although Moreno isn't exactly a slowpoke (if he stays on his feet). We certainly have the pace on the wings however with Zimmerman and Salinas although I doubt both of them will be starting in March. There is certainly a lot of young talent here...just a little worried most of it will fall by the wayside.

    4/10 is not too shabby. I had a pitiful 1/10, Andrew Jacobsen.
  • Peter C
    Duh!
    Make that Thomas, Harvey, Salinas and Jacobson on my list.
  • TJ
    I have to say, this was a pretty weak expansion draft... few of the players that I thought would be picked actually were, and some other names just left me scratching my head.

    No James Riley, Stephen King, Bobby Convey, etc...?

    I gotta hope this team goes out and picks up some big players, because I honestly don't see very many of the selected making a big impact in an Union uniform. Salinas was a good pick, as were Shavar Thomas, Nick Zimmerman and Andrew Jacobsen... but comparing this draft to last year's picks by Seattle, the Union already have a huge gap to make up.
  • Not sure it's entirely fair to compare this draft to Seattle's. The Sounders had Keller and Ljungberg (and if I'm not mistaken Le Toux, who is ours now) and really just needed to draft pieces to fit in around them. Plus I don't think there was anybody of Jeff Parke's caliber left unprotected (then again Parke didn't play one minute for the Sounders). Also the key piece of Seattle's run, Fredy Montero, was not acquired in the draft either. We picked up a few nice players and I think Moreno is definitely a serviceable striker in this league. Plus the Seitz move was brilliant. But the nucleus of this team will have to come from elsewhere--and that was known all along, I think. Like somebody else said, there is plenty of money left for those players. And that's not even including a DP. The future is still very much wide open for the Union and there is no reason to believe the team won't be every bit as competitive as Seattle's when opening day (finally) comes.
  • Big E
    Best part of this draft was Union's decision not to draft anyone on RSL for the rights to Chris Seitz. Best backup goalie in MLS by far and a young quality Keeper that will help Union be successful from Day 1.
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