Philadelphia Union Select 10 In Expansion Draft
As soon as the 2009 MLS Cup Final ended on Sunday night, the attention of the league turned to Philadelphia as the Expansion Draft was set for Wednesday.
The time has come and gone and the Philadelphia Union have selected ten players from the unprotected list that all the teams in the league submitted on Monday.
Among the ten players selected were striker Alejandro Moreno from the Columbus Crew, defender Shavar Thomas from Chivas USA, and Sebastien Le Toux from last year’s expansion club, Seattle Sounders.
“A mix of good guys we believe they have a lot to prove,” said Philadelphia Union team manager Petr Nowak. “They're going to provide some leadership from the beginning. We chose the players that fit the characteristics of this city and the region.”
There were a few surprises who weren’t on the list, namely Amando Guevara who many thought the Union would select from Toronto FC. Also heavily considered was Philadelphia-native, Bobby Convey who plays for the San Jose Earthquakes. Instead of Convey, the Union selected midfielder Shea Salinas.
Nowak, who signed on to be the team manager in May, cannot wait to get the season going.
“I am excited. I did talk to the players after the selection and they are very excited. They are eager to see the stadium and start to work with us. They all have something to prove. That's the exciting part of this.
Five teams weren’t picked from this year, those being FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, Kansas City Wizards, Real Salt Lake and Toronto FC.
The full roster is listed below:
GK: Brad Knighton, New England Revolution
DF: Jordan Harvey, Colorado Rapids; Dave Myrie, Chicago Fire; Shavar Thomas, Chivas USA
MF: Andrew Jacobsen, D.C. United; Stefani Miglioranzi, LA Galaxy; Shea Salinas, San Jose Earthquakes; Nick Zimmerman, New York Red Bulls
FW: Alejandro Moreno, Columbus Crew; Sebastien Le Toux, Seattle Sounders
Shane Evans, Goal.com
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