Post Expansion Draft Thoughts
The Expansion Draft is over and the results were... interesting?
With the 1st pick of the 2016 Expansion Draft, Atlanta United selected Donny Toia. Toia was a Montreal defender that had talent but was injury prone. Toia was later traded to Orlando City for the 8th pick in the Super Draft. Obviously he was selected as a trade piece and two first round picks is awesome for them!
With Minnesota's first round pick they selected Chris Duvall. Duvall is a highly talented and established rightback in MLS, those are hard to come by. Annnnnnnd they traded him... ugh Minnesota ugh. Duvall was traded to the Montreal Impact for Johan Venegas. Venegas is young, talented, and has a lot of potential. This trade will be great if his potential develops. But I hate this trade right now. Why give up an established defender when you need talented defense!
Second, Atlanta United selected Zach Loyd from FC Dallas. This was an interesting defender. Of all the FC Dallas players available I thought Atiba Harris would go not Loyd. Loyd was also the first player to not get traded in the first day. Him being traded could change but if kept then why not draft Harris or Watts?
Minnesota United selected Collen Warner from Houston. After day one he is still on the roster and I love it! Warner is quietly good and a very talented number six. He is capable of protecting a backline and did it well with the Dynamo.
Third, Atlanta United selected GK Clint Irwin from Toronto FC. When first selected I was confused due to the rumors of Brad Guzan coming to the club. Later moves by Atlanta made sense however. Irwin was traded back to Toronto for Mark Bloom and GAM. Atlanta probably wanted Bloom the entire time but doing it this way they came away with Bloom and extra money. Good move Atlanta.
Minnesota's third round pick was Mohammed Saeid. Saeid played well with the Crew these last two seasons and was a fan favorite. I like the pick up and think he will boost the roster next season.
In the fourth round Atlanta United selected defender Mikey Ambrose from Orlando City. Ambrose is a young defender with potential. Atlanta went young here, which I don't agree with. Not much more to say here.
Minnesota United selected Jeff Attinella from RSL. Attinella is a very good goalkeeper who is deserving of a starting spot. He will get his chance here in Minnesota and I am very happy for him. He was developed and learned a lot behind Rimando.
Finally, Atlanta United's last pick was Alec Kann of Sporting Kansas City. Another goal keeper? Yes! Kann was selected and will be kept according to reports. If Guzan is brought in Kann will most likely back him up. But as of right now Kann is most likely the starter.
Minnesota United's last pick was Femi Hollinger-Janzen from the Revs. FHJ is a young striker capable of scoring. Not a big pick but someone who could impact in the future.
I wasn't thrilled about this expansion draft. I am one of the odd balls that enjoys the expansion draft process. It is a great way for new teams to gain league talent and not start with a disadvantage. But this year Minnesota and Atlanta made some really questioning decisions if you ask me. Some good some bad. The Chris Duvall trade made me mad, very very mad. The Warner, Irwin, and Attinella picks were solid pick ups. Eh day from MLS.
