Philadelphia Union selects first players in 2009 MLS Expansion Draft

Head coach Peter Nowak announced the players chosen in a press conference this afternoon.

And the first Unioners (Unionites? Union soldiers?) are…

• GK Brad Knighton, New England Revolution, Age 24, USA
• D Dave Myrie, Chicago Fire, Age 21, Costa Rica
• D Shavar Thomas, Chivas USA, Age 28, Jamaica
• D Jordan Harvey, Colorado Rapids, Age 25, USA
• M Shea Salinas, San Jose Earthquakes, Age 23, USA
• M Stefani Miglioranzi, LA Galaxy, Age 32, Brazil
• M Andrew Jacobson, DC United, Age 24 USA
• M Nick Zimmerman, New York Red Bulls, Age 22, USA
• F Alejandro Moreno, Columbus Crew, Age 30, Venezuela
• F Sebastien Le Toux, Seattle Sounders, Age 25, France

The team was able to choose 10 players, no more than one from each existing MLS team. The Union did not select players from Houston Dynamo, Real Salt Lake, Kansas City, Toronto FC, or FC Dallas.

Nowak characterized the picks as a “good starting point” for the franchise. He declined to single out any of the players chosen as key or top priority (all players were chosen at once, so we have no way of knowing what the “draft order” was).

Nowak stressed he made his decisions based on need, not big names. He expressed surprise at some of the players left unprotected, but would not name names.

The players selected are a diverse bunch; half are from the USA, half from overseas (the Caribbean, Europe, and Latin America, including the requisite Brazilian). Most are 25 years old or younger, but there are a few veterans to add experience to the clubhouse.

In a minor surprise, local product Bobby Convey was not selected. Former MVP Amado Guevara was overlooked as well. No doubt we will learn more about the hows and whys of the decision-making process in the coming days and weeks.