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LAFC Select Movable Assets in 2017 MLS Expansion Draft

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LOS ANGELES, CA (December 12, 2017) – Los Angeles FC has announced their selections for the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft. The 2018 MLS debutante has had a busy day as Head Coach Bob Bradley builds his team.

LAFC Select Movable Assets in 2017 MLS Expansion Draft

LAFC were able to select five players from existing MLS teams. Here were there selections:

1. Tyler Miller, Goalkeeper, Seattle Sounders FC
2. Latif Blessing, Forward, Sporting KC
3. Marco Urena, Forward, San Jose Earthquakes
4. Jukka Raitala, Defender, Columbus Crew SC
5. Raheem Edwards, Defender/Midfielder, Toronto FC

Here is the updated LAFC Roster as of December 12, 2017:

GK (1): Tyler Miller
DEF (3): Laurent Ciman (INT’L), Omar Gaber (INT’L), Walker Zimmerman
MID (1): Carlos Alvarez
FWD (5): Latif Blessing, Bassey Etim (INT’L), Rodrigo Pacheco (INT’L), Marco Urena (INT’L), Carlos Vela (DP, INT’L)

Other moves being made:

During the half day transfer window on Sunday, LAFC made a trade with FC Dallas to acquire center back Walker Zimmerman.

Going into the Expansion Draft, there was a rumor LAFC was going to use the draft to acquire assets to then move for players they want. The jury is still out overall, but the club did make a trade with Montreal Impact after the draft. Raitala and Edwards were moved for center back Laurent Ciman.

Reactions:

Just to preface, it is way to early to make any judgments about these moves. It looks like LAFC have their starting center backs for next year. Latif Blessing and Marco Urena should be viable attacking options. They are pieces to build around Carlos Vela and two other Designated Players to be signed later. Tyler Miller could be viable backup goalkeeper given his performance in Leg One of the Western Conference Finals.

But, we’ll have to wait and see. The 2015 MLS expansion teams missed on several selections and struggled. Atlanta United FC used the expansion draft to make moves later to get pieces that served them well in 2017. It looks like LAFC already has several good pieces on the roster. Let’s see if they can make their other assets work or move them for players who will.

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