Peter Nowak and the Philadelphia Union avoided any high-salary players in this 2009 Expansion Draft, seemingly going the safe route. And while many fans will be disappointed that a few big-name, Philadelphia-born players were not selected, this expansion draft may lead to bigger and better things.
This group of expansion draft players is relatively cheap, salary-wise. And this means one thing; the Philadelphia Union is saving money for a big-name designated player and a few other key, foreign players. The following group of players will provide good depth. Most of them will not be in the team’s staring eleven.
Brad Knighton - Goalkeeper, New England Revolution. 6’1’’, 24 years old, 6 appearances this season. Looks like he will be the back-up goalkeeper. Grade: B-
David Myrie - Defender, Chicago Fire. Costa Rican born, 21 years old. Big defender, with tons of potential. Myrie is highly regarded in Costa Rica. Grade: B+
Shavar Thomas - Defender, Chivas USA. Jamaican international, 28 years old. Experienced, central defender who will be in the starting eleven in 2010. Grade: B+
Jordan Harvey - Defender, Colorado Rapids. 25 years old, promising outside defender. Harvey was a key member of the Colorado Rapids, and is a starter in this league. Grade: B+
Shea Salinas - Midfielder, San Jose Earthquakes. 23 years old, selected 15th overall in 2008 MLS Superdraft. He had trouble finishing this year, but is still a versatile player with room to grow. Grade: B-
Stefani Miglioranzi - Midfielder, Los Angeles Galaxy. 32 years old, Brazilian-born. Attended St. Johns University before moving to England. He played for Portsmouth and Swindon Town. He’s not a very imposing player in the midfield, and constantly gets pushed off the ball. Grade: C-
Andrew Jacobson - Midfielder, DC United. 24 years old, he was a member of FC Lorient in France. Grade: B
Nick Zimmerman - Midfielder, New York Red Bulls. 22 years old. Another player with potential, that was highly regarded by Red Bulls fans. Grade: A-
Alejandro Moreno - Forward, Colombus Crew. 30 years old, 4 goals in the 2009 season. The Venezuelan brings experience and goal-scoring ability. He has won 3 MLS cups, and knows what it takes to win. Grade: A
Sebastian LeToux - Forward, Seattle Sounders. 25 years old, versatile attacking player. He is a relentless, hard worker, and is a Peter Nowak-type player. Grade: B+
TRADE: Chris Seitz - Goalkeeper, Real Salt Lake. According to a number of reports, Philadelphia has acquired Chris Seitz in exchange for allocation money. The 6’4’’ goalkeeper is one of the best goalkeeping prospects in the country. He was on the 2008 U.S. Olympic soccer team coached by Peter Nowak. Grade: A+
Read the press release on www.MLSNet.com
Comments
Zimmerman is a former James Madison Duke not Duke Blue Devil.
I am shock that they did not pick any home town hero like Convey were not pick. That said LeToux and Moreno were good and cheap money wise and saving money for a big name DP lol.
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