MLS 2010 Preview: Philadelphia Union Expansion Draft

The 2009 MLS season is in the books and its already time to look ahead to the 2010 campaign. The big news heading into 2010 so far is the new expansion team, the Philadelphia Union. The Union are set to become the 16th team in Major League Soccer (MLS) next year and will reside in a new soccer specific stadium in Chester, PA. While the stadium is finishing construction they will host home games at Lincoln Financial Field, home of the NFL Philadelphia Eagles. The Union will restrict the stadium seating to the lower level, giving them a capacity of 37,500.

On November 25th, the Union and the MLS held the expansion draft. Under MLS expansion rules each team can protect a limited number of players and then the Union had the chance to select 10 players to start their squad (only 1 player per team can be selected). Here is a summary of Philadelphia's expansion picks:

Player Name - Position - Previous Club

1) Brad Knighton - GK - New England Revolution

2) Jordan Harvey - DF - Colorado Rapids

3) Dave Myrie - DF - Chicago Fire

4) Shavar Thomas - DF - Chivas USA

5) Andrew Jacobson - MF - DC United

6) Stefan Miglioranzi - MF - LA Galaxy

7) Shea Salinas - MF - San Jose Earthquakes

8) Sebastien Le Toux - FW - Seattle Sounders

9) Alejandro Moreno - FW - Columbus Crew

10) Nick Zimmerman - FW - NY Red Bulls

Five days later the Union strengthened their keeper position by picking up former Real Salt Lake and US National Team substitute goalie Chris Seitz. He started four games this past season to help RSL to the MLS Cup. Seitz also helped the US U-23 squad qualify for the 2008 Olympics.

The Union have an near impossible task next season in matching what the Seattle Sounders pulled off this past year. The Sounders sold out their season ticket allotment, won the US Open Cup, advanced to the playoffs, signed several big name international players, and played attractive football. If the Union can achieve half of what the Sounders did in 09 it will be considering a successfully first year for Philly.

For more information on the Philadelphia Union checking out their official homepage which includes player profiles, ticket information, merchandise, and more. Thoughts on the Union as the MLS' 16th team? The Expansion draft selections?