Expansion Draft Protected Galaxy Players

By: jen | November 23rd, 2009

mlscupberhalter

This post at Soccer By Ives has the rundown of protected players in the upcoming expansion draft. Some of the names are surprising. Expansion team Philadelphia Union can choose 10 of the unprotected players, but only one player from each team. The full rules are explained here.

The lists of Bruce Arena’s protected vs. unprotected players is telling. Who does he see starting next year? Who is irreplaceable?

The Galaxy’s protected players:

Beckham, David
Berhalter, Gregg
Birchall, Chris
Buddle, Edson
DeLagarza, AJ
Donovan, Landon
Franklin, Sean
Gonzalez, Omar
Kovalenko, Dema
Magee, Mike
Ricketts, Donovan

The Galaxy’s unprotected players:

Dunivant, Todd
Eskandarian, Alecko
Gordon, Alan
Griffin, Leonard
Jordan, Bryan
Kirovski, Jovan
Klein, Chris
Lewis, Eddie
Miglioranzi, Stefani
Sanneh, Tony
Saunders, Josh
Valentin, Julian
Marshall, Yohance
Patterson, Kyle

I think Arena’s protecting of the young defenders is imperative, and I’m glad to see he has done that. I can absolutely see AJ Delagarza starting in place of Todd Dunivant next year.

I also find it interesting which of the aging players he protected. Gregg Berhalter will turn 37 next season. Does he have another good year in him? I say yes. Dema Kovalenko is younger — he will turn 33 next season — but he and Bruce have a long history together. I think he’s the best D-mid we have, and I’m glad Arena has protected him.

A few of the unprotected players come as a bit of a surprise. I thought Kirovski and Miglioranzi were Bruce’s pets. (Please, somebody, take Kirovski) I’d like to see Eddie Lewis remain with the team. Perhaps he isn’t as appealing a draft choice because of his age? And the sentimental favorite, Chris Klein, may fall into the same category — too old to go elsewhere.

If I were the Philadelphia Union I would grab Josh Saunders. He has spent a year learning from one of the best (Ricketts) and has played incredibly well when Ricketts has been unable this year, including the MLS Final. Saunders deserves a chance to be a starting keeper in this league.

What are your thoughts? Any surprises? Who would you love to see leave? Who do you hope stays? If this year was a rebuilding year, next year could be a-mazing.

Some Related Galaxy Posts:

Category: Player News

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David

Miglioranzi. That's who we lost. Not what I expected and not so bad. A 32 year old midfielder of questionable value to our lineup. I'm okay with that. Frankly, many of Novak's selections surprised me. But I guess that's why I'm not an MLS coach.
Diane

Miglioranzi is supposed to be one of the nicest guys in football (or anywhere apparently), but he didn't get a lot of work in LA this season. I didn't get a chance to form a firm opinion of him as a player, but its always too bad to lose a nice guy!
Diane

Via ESPN:
Philadelphia 2009 Expansion Draft

Jordan Harvey (D), Colorado Rapids

Andrew Jacobsen (M), D.C. United

Brad Knighton (G), New England Revolution

Sebastien Le Toux (F), Seattle Sounders FC

Stefani Miglioranzi (M), L.A. Galaxy

Alejandro Moreno (F), Columbus Crew

Dave Myrie (D), Chicago Fire

Shea Salinas (M), San Jose Earthquakes

Shavar Thomas (D, Chivas USA

Nick Zimmerman (M), New York Red Bulls
DAVE

Stefani Miglioranzi is gone!
Diane

Of course, Jen! 24 hours of footy gossip? That's the best proposition I've had in years. Even without Chris, I've loved it that Philly had a fan club before a team and would probably take the trip, for an interesting match-up, just to see how they make out WITH one.
jen

Diane, I'd need to spend the night in Philly. Want to room together? :)

Of those keepers I'd probably take Hartman. And I have a soft spot for Clint Mathis. He was such an arrogant prick of a time-bomb when he was with LA (and still at times), but I've always loved his spunk. He's still got it, and is young enough to play a full 90 for a team who needs a striking offensive midfielder.

We'll know who they choose tomorrow. If I'm not too bogged down with family/holiday stuff tomorrow I'll put up a quick post.
Moon

NOOOOO...I don't want Josh Sounders to go!!! If Ricketts got injured in a match, who would replace him?? WHO??!
David

I hope someone takes Kirovski but I doubt it. I would be disappointed, but not surprised, to see Lewis or Klein go. Of the two, I think Lewis is the more likely to be taken. There are a lot of good, unprotected players out there: Chris Rolfe, Frankie Hejduk (I would grab him if only for his emotional drive and experience), Dave Van Den Bergh, Luciano Emilio, Wade Barrett, Ricardo Clark, Pat Onstad, Richard Mulrooney, Kevin Hartman, Chris Albright, Jay Heaps, Clint Mathis, Ned Grabavoy, Bobby Convey. And of course, let's not forget Pete Vagenas!

Who they take from us depends on what they get elsewhere. I think most likely is Dunivant, followed by Lewis, Saunders, Klein, Kirovski. Saunders in the back could be the wild card, but I would think they take Hartman or Onstad before him.
David

Soccer America has a list of all unprotected players here: http://www.socceramerica.com/i....
Diane

Jen, if Chris goes to Philly :-( I think you and I will both be in driving distance! A minor silver lining, but still...

Re older players, as you suggest, the theory is that they are least likely to be picked so less of a risk if unprotected. Terrible list to have to make.
Laurie

There's some amazing goalkeeper talent in this Expansion Draft. Josh Saunders, Kevin Hartman, Pat Onstad...

And poor Alan Gordon. He don't get no respect.
dana

I don't understand what Arena sees in Edson Buddle. He was terrific last year, but this year, especially the last 3 games, he doesn't even seem to be trying. I think Alan Gordan has done more for the Galaxy this season than Buddle.