Editorial (December 10, 2017) – The Colorado Rapids Protected List for the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft has been announced. Let’s break down the Colorado Rapids expansion draft scenarios, who was protected, who was unprotected, and who the Rapids could lose to Los Angeles FC.
Give Them Nothing: Colorado Rapids Expansion Draft Protected Roster and Analysis
The Rapids 11-man Protected Roster is as follows: Stefan Aigner (INT), Michael Azira, Dominique Badji (INT), Nana Boateng (INT), Shkelzen Gashi (INT, DP), Marlon Hairston, Tim Howard (DP), Zac MacMath, Eric Miller, Axel Sjoberg, and Jared Watts.
The Rapids also had four players automatically protected as Homegrowns: Caleb Calvert (HG), Kortne Ford (HG), Dillon Serna (HG), and Ricardo Perez (HG). Kevin Doyle has retired as well and is not eligible for selection.
With that, here is the list of 2017 Colorado Rapids players who are eligible for selection: John Berner, Bobby Burling (FA), Dennis Castillo (INT), Mike da Fonte, Joshua Gatt, Luis Gil, Alan Gordon (FA), Sam Hamilton, Mohammed Saeid (INT), and Mekeil Williams.
Reactions to the list:
As I wrote in my protected list preview, this was going to be pretty straight forward. The Rapids didn’t retain a lot of players, so they weren’t going to leave a lot of players under contract exposed. They also had four Homegrown players automatically get protected.
Mike da Fonte and Sam Hamilton are the only two Rapids players currently under contract who are eligible for the Expansion Draft.
Who LAFC could select from the Rapids:
Honestly, this cupboard is pretty bare. The Rapids did a good job protecting their assets and giving LAFC nothing. Da Fonte and Hamilton didn’t show enough compared to some of the other options they’ll have around the league. Mohammed Saeid chose to have his option declined for personal reasons.
Luis Gil and Joshua Gatt aren’t the best wingers available in this draft. They’ll have a bunch of goalkeeper options better than John Berner.
Free agents Bobby Burling and Alan Gordon could draw interest from LAFC if they think they can get either of them for a reasonable price. They are 33 and 36-years-old though, which will be a concern.
Prediction: I think the Rapids (and their former players) get through the Expansion Draft unscathed.
