Major League Soccer today held the 2011 Expansion Draft for the Montreal Impact, which will begin MLS play as a member of the Eastern Conference in 2012. The Impact selected 10 players from among the 272 available, including defender/midfielder Josh Gardner from the Crew.
In his lone season in Columbus, the 29-year-old Gardner scored two goals and added a pair of assists in 22 games (21 starts). He was signed by the Black & Gold on Feb. 21, 2011.
Each current MLS club could protect 11 players from their 2011 roster, and no club could lose more than one player. Ten teams had a player selected from their roster while eight were left untouched.
“While we are disappointed to lose Josh, having a player selected speaks to the quality and depth we have assembled here,” said Crew technical director Brian Bliss. “He’s a good pro and we wish him nothing but the best and continued success in Montreal.”
Below is the complete list of players selected in the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft:
PLAYER |
NOTE |
|
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-brovsky.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/jeb-brovsky">Jeb Brovksy</a></h1><strong>Pos: D/M | Age: 23</strong><strong>Former club: Vancouver</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 24 | G 0 | A 1</strong> |
A converted midfielder who showed promise in his rookie year in Vancouver. A good engine and a youthful willingness to get forward from the right outside back position. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-burling.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/bobby-burling">Bobby Burling</a></h1><strong>Pos: D | Age: 27</strong><strong>Former club: San Jose</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 71 | G 1 | A 2</strong> |
A big presence in the center of the Quakes defense in 2011. He has gotten physically stronger and developed his positional sense in recent years. Was once a teammate of Marsch's at Chivas USA. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-ching.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/brian-ching">Brian Ching</a></h1><strong>Pos: F | Age: 33</strong><strong>Former club: Houston</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 189 | G 77 | A 28</strong> |
Winner of three MLS Cup trophies, the Big Kahuna brings experience and a targetman’s nous. Injuries limited him to just 20 games in 2011, but scored 5 goals and was instrumental in Houston’s run to MLS Cup final. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/joshgardner.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/josh-gardner">Josh Gardner</a></h1><strong>Pos: F | Age: 29</strong><b>Former club: Columbus</b><strong>Career:<br>
GP 43 | G 3 | A 5</strong> |
Honest defender with years of experience in MLS and the lower divisions. Possesses a rocket of a shot when allowed to unleash it on freekicks. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-mapp.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/justin-mapp">Justin Mapp</a></h1><strong>Pos: M | Age: 27</strong><strong>Former club: Philadelphia</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 221 | G 18 | A 44</strong> |
Crafty left-footed 27-year-old with years of pro experience. Has the talent to be a game changer if given the freedom to roam. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/120079036.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/sanna-nyassi">Sanna Nyassi</a></h1><strong>Pos: M/F | Age: 22</strong><strong>Former club: Colorado</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 64 | G 7 | A 8</strong> |
Speed, speed, and more speed. But the Gambian international has also honed his skills and is now one of the most dangerous wingers in the league. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-riley_0.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/james-riley">James Riley</a></h1><strong>Pos: D | Age: 29</strong><strong>Former club: Seattle</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 178 | G 2 | A 14</strong> |
<p>Tough, well traveled right back who became a fan favorite in Seattle with his uncompromising play and embracing of the local community.</p><p>TRADED: To Chivas USA for Justin Braun and Gerson Mayen.</p> |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-sinovic.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/seth-sinovic">Seth Sinovic</a></h1><strong>Pos: D | Age: 24</strong><strong>Former club: Sporting KC</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 40 | G 0 | A 0</strong> |
An afterthought in his rookie season in New England, he moved to KC and became the regular left back. Brings energy and grit. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-valentin.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/zarek-valentin">Zarek Valentin</a></h1><strong>Pos: D | Age: 20</strong><strong>Former club: Chivas USA</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 25 | G 0 | A 0</strong> |
Youth, speed, good touch, personality, and international experience -- he has the potential to be the complete package at right back. |
<img src="//columbus-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/mp6/imagecache/player_profile_headshot/players/head-shots/headshot-warner.jpg" style="width: 100px; height: 143px; "> |
<h1><a href="http://www.mlssoccer.com/players/collen-warner">Collen Warner</a></h1><strong>Pos: D | Age: 23</strong><strong>Former club: Real Salt Lake</strong><strong>Career:<br>
GP 37 | G 0 | A 5</strong> |
Young, skillful midfielder who saw some real minutes in 2011, deputizing for the injured Javier Morales. Can score or play set-up man. |
