NEW YORK, NEW YORK (December 21, 2017) – Three players were taken in the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 today. Forward Gonzalo Veron was taken by D.C. United. Veteran midfielder Servando Carrasco was taken by LA Galaxy. Los Angeles FC selected midfielder Calum Mallace. All three teams must make a bonafied contract offer to the player they selected.
2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 Sees Three Players Taken
Veron has had an up and down time in MLS with New York Red Bulls. The Designated Player has just 10 goals in three seasons, despite 60 appearances (just 13 starts). He never really found consistency with the club and it isn’t much of a surprise they were willing to part ways with him after 2017.
The 27-year-old Argentine will be joining a rebuilding United squad. The club finished near the bottom of the league this season and is moving into a new soccer-specific stadium. They’ve already made several changes up front. Veron could be a big part of their plans as they look to build around Luciano Acosta and Paul Arriola.
Carrasco is a UC Berkeley product who has spent the last nine seasons in MLS. He has been around the league, but has only made more than 14 starts in a single season once in his career. He’s been with Orlando City SC the last three seasons. Carrasco should fill out the midfield depth on the Galaxy’s roster as they look to rebuild. This could be a small indication that the club might not be bringing back Baggio Husidic.
Mallace spent his entire MLS career with Montreal Impact prior to being traded to Seattle Sounders FC earlier this year. He made no league appearances for the Sounders. The 27-year-old was mostly a bench player for the Impact. He should provide depth to the expansion side, but I doubt he starts all that much.
This concludes the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft process. All players not selected can now sign with any MLS team on a first come, first serve basis.
