Expansion lists were revealed yesterday in preparation for Portland and Vancouver joining MLS [SEE THE FULL LIST HERE]. With the draft only a few hours away, anticipation is high for both new franchises. The opportunity to begin player acquisitions as early as possible is vital, but can you imagine how it felt for FC Dallas and Colorado players to find out their protection status the day after playing for the MLS Cup? To know you might not get the chance again with the same team -- to have such unpredictability thrown into your life -- makes it twice as difficult.
READ: MLSsoccer.com predicts the 2010 expansion draft
Of the 11 players that are available for selection, I believe the following three have the strongest chance of moving elsewhere. I listed them in order of least likely to most likely for selection.
Atiba Harris
I felt Harris was untouchable in the mind of the FCD coaching staff. His athleticism and work rate have always been valued, and his price tag is modest. Harris started all but one game he was available for, and was credited for being the difference maker in the Conference Final against Los Angeles. He notched four goals during the regular season, but does he have the speed to get around defenders that the FCD coaching staff covets?
If one of the two players below is selected before Harris, then I believe the St. Kitts native will become protected from selection.
Eric Avila
In his third season, Avila was asked to provide a spark off the bench when the team needed a boost. The San Diego native did exactly that. With a load of skill and individual quality, his talent is undeniable. Who could forget his game-winning goal at Pizza Hut Park in the first leg of the Western Conference Semifinal?
Avila's problem is that he has graduated from Generation adidas and would help provide ingenuity for any midfield in MLS. His salary will no longer be exempt from the cap so he’ll have to prove his worth. At 22 he still has much to learn, but it’s hard not to say the game is the best teacher. Perhaps moving on is exactly what the youngster needs.
Dax McCarty
I was very surprised to see his name on the list of available players. McCarty has been a midfield linchpin for FCD the last two seasons.
READ: Alexander a factor in McCarty going unprotected?
His two way play is what helps the 4-1-4-1 formation go. With Daniel Hernandez behind him, McCarty has the ability to link passes to those that can truly make the attack advance. His composure is a rarity for US central midfield players, and his value has never been greater. His cap number was probably the decision maker.
Does a trade option exist that could benefit FC Dallas more? I'm not sure, but it certainly makes the expansion draft worth watching.
WATCH THE MLS EXPANSION DRAFT LIVE AT MLSSOCCER.COM TOMORROW AT 1 PM CT.