New York, New York (December 15, 2017) – The results for Stage 1 of the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft are in. The Colorado Rapids selected Mike Grella, midfielder who played with the New York Red Bulls in 2017. Minnesota United FC selected veteran outside back Tyrone Mears, formerly of Atlanta United FC. Every other team passed.
Mike Grella and Tyrone Mears Selected in Stage 1 of 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft
The Rapids almost immediately traded Grella to Columbus Crew SC in exchange for their natural second round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
NEWS: #CrewSC has acquired midfielder @MikeGrella10 from @ColoradoRapids in exchange for a Second Round selection in the 2019 @MLS SuperDraft.
Welcome to Crew SC, Mike!
MORE: https://t.co/ujC1e0i6dT#Rapids96 pic.twitter.com/XE05ZBe9Ml
— Columbus Crew SC (@ColumbusCrewSC) December 15, 2017
Grella played college soccer at Duke University. He was drafted by Toronto FC in 2009, but chose to pursue options in Europe. He later ended up with the Carolina Railhawks in the NASL before getting picked up by the New York Red Bulls. Grella played three seasons in Harrison, NJ. He made 73 appearances, recording 16 goals and 13 assists. He was excellent in 2015 and 2016, but struggled for playing time with injuries this year.
Mears spent time various tiers of the English Pyramid before coming to MLS in 2015 with the Seattle Sounders. In two seasons, the defender played in 65 games, recording a goal and five assists for the Rave Green. Mears was selected in the MLS Expansion Draft by Atlanta United FC last year. He played in 20 games, getting a goal and an assist.
Transaction: Colorado Rapids select Mike Grella in Stage One of the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft, then trade him to Columbus Crew SC for their natural second round pick in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft.
Transaction: Minnesota United select Tyrone Mears in Stage One of the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft.
Last Word
These are two solid MLS players at not unreasonable prices. Grella and Mears both a bit old now (Mike Grella will be 31-years-old next month, Mears is 34-years-old), but they can still contribute. Mears should help sure up the defense for the Loons. Grella will likely be a bench attacking option for Columbus.
