Today will mark a new beginning for soccer in Philadelphia as the MLS’ 16th team, the Philadelphia Union, will take part in the 2009 MLS Expansion draft. At 1 p.m. ET., head coach Peter Nowak will announce the ten players that will call Philly home for the 2010 season.
In an effort to determine who could better run an MLS franchise, Editor-in-Chief, Mark Lincir and myself have put together our own lists of the ten players we think will get picked up today. After the draft, we will take a look and determine who is better suited to be an MLS GM.
Think you could draft a good team? Let us know who you would pick. Don’t forget that the MLS salary cap is set at $2.3 million.
Note: Mark’s Picks have been corrected. Andy Iro has been added to his roster.
Mark’s Picks
Marcelo Saragosa-Chivas USA-Defender/Midfielder-$120,000
Andy Iro-Columbus Crew-Defender-$45,000
Luciano Emilio-DC United-Forward-$720,000
Eddie Robinson-Houston Dynamo-Defender-$137,000
Kevin Hartman-Kansas City-Goalkeeper-$165,000
Alecko Eskandarian-Los Angeles Galaxy-Forward-$137,000
Neb Grabavoy-Real Salt Lake-Midfielder-$84,000
Nick Garcia-Toronto FC-Defender-$190,000
James Riley-Seattle Sounders-Defender-$69,000
Shea Salinas-FC Dallas-Midfielder-$36,000
$ Total-1,703,000
Elliott’s Picks
Michael Banner-Chicaco Fire-Defender-$34,000
Eddie Robinson-Houston Dynamo-Defender-$137,000
Adam Cristman-Kansas City-Forward-$35,000
Robbie Russell-Real Salt Lake-Defender-$98,000
Shea Salinas-San Jose-Midfielder-$36,000
James Riley-Seattle Sounders-Defender-$69,000
Anthony Wallace-FC Dallas-Defender/Midfielder-$75,000
Josh Saunders-Los Angeles Galaxy-Goalkeepr-$41,000
Nick Zimmerman-New York Red Bulls-Midfielder-$20,000
Alejandro Moreno-Columbus Crew-Forward-$132,000
$Total-677,000
Lincir only has 9 players and he’s more than double Elliot’s picks!