{"id":2562,"date":"2016-11-30T11:47:06","date_gmt":"2016-11-30T16:47:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsoccer.com\/?p=2562"},"modified":"2016-11-30T11:47:06","modified_gmt":"2016-11-30T16:47:06","slug":"new-york-red-bulls-protected-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/soccer\/2016\/11\/30\/new-york-red-bulls-protected-list\/","title":{"rendered":"New York Red Bulls Projected Expansion Draft Protected List"},"content":{"rendered":"

Two new clubs will join Major League Soccer<\/strong> in 2017, with Minnesota United<\/strong> moving from the NASL<\/strong> and the brand-new Atlanta United FC<\/strong> coming on board. The MLS Expansion Draft<\/strong> is scheduled for December 13th, only three days after MLS Cup 2016<\/strong> is played.<\/p>\n

New York Red Bulls Projected Expansion Draft Protected List<\/h2>\n

Each club is able to protect 11 players and the New York Red Bulls<\/strong> will want to make careful selections ahead of the draft. Homegrown players are exempt, automatically protecting players like Alex Muyl<\/strong>, Connor Lade<\/strong> and Sean Davis<\/strong> from leaving the roster.<\/p>\n

Minnesota and Atlanta will make five selections each, with existing teams only losing one player at a maximum. With these rules in place, Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch<\/strong> knows that the draft will not see several players on the move.<\/p>\n

However, losing a key player ahead of 2017 would not be an ideal way to start the off-season.<\/p>\n

With this in mind, we take a look at a projected list of the 11 players New York should protect.<\/p>\n

GK \u2013 Luis Robles<\/h3>\n

The Red Bulls\u2019 ironman and one of the most talented goalkeepers in MLS. New York certainly must protect Luis Robles<\/strong>, as either expansion side would jump at the chance to sign him.<\/p>\n

CB \u2013 Aurelien Collin<\/h3>\n

An interesting case here. With Aurelien Collin\u2019s<\/strong> contract expiring, the Red Bulls\u2019 front office is already focused on re-signing the talented defender. The signing process with New York would crumble if he is chosen by Atlanta or former head coach Adrien Heath<\/strong> in Minnesota<\/a>.<\/p>\n

While 2017 is still uncertain for Collin, the Red Bulls will want to keep their best center-back in the squad.<\/p>\n

CB \u2013 Damien Perrinelle<\/h3>\n

Injuries cut into much of Damien Perrinelle\u2019s<\/strong> 2016 season, but once healthy the French center-back was an integral part of New York\u2019s backline.<\/p>\n

CB \u2013 Gideon Baah<\/h3>\n

New York saw flashes from 25-year old defender Gideon Baah<\/strong> in 2016 before he was sidelined with injury, even adding two goals <\/a>along with his strong defensive work.<\/p>\n

Expectations will be high for Baah in 2017.<\/p>\n

LB \u2013 Kemar Lawrence<\/h3>\n

Kemar Lawrence<\/strong> experienced a down year after a spectacular 2015, but the Jamaican international\u2019s ability to get forward and provide service into the box is indispensable for New York.<\/p>\n

MF \u2013 Gonzalo Veron<\/h3>\n

A frustrating year for Gonzalo Veron<\/strong> was filled with injuries early in the season and difficulties finding adequate playing time.<\/p>\n

2017 is a massive year for the Argentine\u2019s career in New York.<\/p>\n

MF \u2013 Felipe Martins<\/h3>\n

Felipe Martins<\/strong> displayed incredible stamina during 2016 in his defensive midfield role, rarely missing action and covering acres of space throughout matches.<\/p>\n

MF \u2013 Dax McCarty<\/h3>\n

Red Bulls captain Dax McCarty<\/strong> has stepped up tremendously in his leadership role and is the engine of the squad.<\/p>\n

Injuries did creep up on McCarty in 2016, missing seven league games due to injury.<\/p>\n

MF \u2013 Daniel Royer<\/h3>\n

Daniel Royer\u2019s<\/strong> summer signing looked to be an excellent addition ahead of the postseason, until hamstring injuries cut into his playing time late in the campaign.<\/p>\n

His pace on the wing and a memorable match-winner against the Montreal Impact<\/strong> <\/a>displayed his goal-scoring potential.<\/p>\n

MF \u2013 Sacha Kljestan<\/h3>\n

2016 MLS assist leader Sacha Kljestan<\/strong> will most certainly not be leaving Red Bull Arena<\/strong> anytime soon. The creative focal point of the offense had a fantastic season in Harrison<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

FW \u2013 Bradley Wright-Phillips<\/h3>\n

The all-time franchise leader in goals, Bradley Wright-Phillips<\/strong> continued to shine in 2016. The English striker\u2019s 24 goals brought him the league\u2019s Golden Boot<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Prediction<\/h3>\n

Due to the Expansion Draft rules that are in place, there is ultimately a chance that the Red Bulls do not lose any of their current squad.<\/p>\n

However, players like Mike Grella<\/strong>, Sal Zizzo<\/strong> and Chris Duvall<\/strong> may be tempting to either Minnesota or Atlanta management on December 13th.<\/p>\n

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Embed from Getty Images<\/a><\/div>\n