Could Bobby Convey be headed home to Philly? (Getty Images)
The speculation has begun for the Philadelphia Union and their expansion draft that takes place tomorrow afternoon. The 15 clubs released their protected list last night and now the Union have a full list of guys that they can get 10 players from. And the talent is there for Union to get off on a good foot here.
I do have a feeling a deal or two will be worked out tomorrow but that is just a hunch.
Below are the ten I believe the Union could go for tomorrow. I went fairly defensive minded as I think that may be the way Philly goes since they haven’t made any moves yet like Seattle had already done by this time last year. Defense is always a good place to start with a roster and they can fill in the holes offensively this winter. Some of these I may be off on but we’ll see.
Bobby Convey (San Jose): His salary may be a little high ($220,000) but we know Convey is going to be on his way out of San Jose this summer, it just seems likely. He’s a Philly guy and it makes perfect sense.
Anthony Wallace (Dallas): He’s cheap, he’s young and has plenty of solid experience with the U-20 national team. He just graduated from his Generation adidas contract and he’s totally cheap ($75,000).
Pat Phelan (New England): He was a guy plenty of us debated about for being protected but the Revs had to leave him off the protected list. I think he will fit in well in the defensive midfield part of Peter Nowak’s lineup.
Brian Edwards (Toronto FC): He’s young, from New Jersey and a very solid keeper that would give them a decent start in goal. I know Jon Conway is out there and is a Philly guy but I think Edwards gives them a better shot than Conway. Also, I just don’t buy in to Philly taking Amado Guevara from Toronto here either.
Matt Besler (Kansas City): I was kind of shocked to see his name on the exposed list. He’s young and cheap for sure and no doubt he would be a good fit for the defense as he has plenty of league experience (he played in 28 games this year for KC).
Andy Iro (Columbus): He’s big, physical and has plenty of great potential for Nowak. He’s played center back and would easily fit into the type of system Nowak likes to run with his defense I think.
Stephen King (Seattle): A Philly boy that has been stuck on the bench in Seattle. I know he is an impressive player and will fit in well in the midfield for Philly.
Jacob Peterson (Colorado): A young midfielder with loads of experience. While his salary may be a little high ($100k) compared to others on this list I think he would be a guy that could not only use a change of scenery but probably fit in well in Philly.
Alan Gordon (LA): He’s the lone striker that I’m selecting here and for a reason. I see Philly going out and finding other strikers in the winter to fill their offensive needs. Gordon isn’t expensive and he brings plenty of talent for Nowak.
Robbie Russell (RSL): Kind of hard to believe he could go from kicking the winning PK on Sunday to a new club on Wednesday. His experience factor abroad and here leads me to put him here.
Think I missed on someone here? Let’s here it.
