November 24, 2009
OFFSIDE REMARKS
No Bull might not get caught in draft
Red Bulls defender Mike Petke played for Philadelphia Union coach Peter Nowak on the 2004 MLS Cup champion team with D.C. United.
Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images
By Michael Lewis
BigAppleSoccer.com Editor
One quick reminder about Wednesday's MLS expansion draft: the Red Bulls needn't have to lose anyone to the Philadelphia Union, the way the rules are set up, although I know many fans would be willing to give any team money to get rid of several Red Bulls players after this miserable season.
The Union can only selected 10 players, total, from the 15 established clubs, which means five clubs will be safe.
Looking at the Red Bulls' unprotected list, I'm not certain Nowak would pick anyone.
If I'm Philly coach Peter Nowak and assistant coach John Hackworth, who would I consider from the Red Bulls?
Probably five players -- goalkeeper Daniel Cepero, defender Mike Petke and midfielders Luke Sassano, Sinisa Ubiparipovic and Nick Zimmerman. It will depend on which players they take from the other 14 teams and their likes and dislikes.
Two Red Bulls players have a connection with Philadelphia or the Union. Cepero, one of the heroes of last year's MLS Cup run, graduated from the University of Pennsylvania. Petke played for Nowak at D.C. United and the 2004 MLS champions. While Petke would love to retire as a Red Bull, he could be a valuable addition to an expansion team as an older and experienced player (he turns 34 on Jan. 20).
With former Red Bulls goalkeeper Jon Conway dangled out there by Chivas USA, if I was Nowak, I would be tempted to take him. He might not ever be an all-star, but certainly a solid addition to the team. With Conway aboard, I would consider taking a younger keeper in the draft or via free agency to round out the roster.
As for the midfielders, I would grab Zimmerman. In the limited time he played as a rookie last season, he showed some moxie and potential. Ubiparipovic and Sassano, two important members of the MLS Cup run, have showed potential, but have not been consistent. When he did start, Ubiparipovic could be a force in one game and invisible the next. Sassano's big plus is his versatility, being able to play several positions. He played well at defensive midfield last year, but has he really mastered one yet?
But who knows? What one coach sees as a weakness in one player, another coach might see as a potential starter.
Oh, and one other reminder. Regardless who the Union takes, just remember this is just the beginning of the roster. How strong the Union will be determined on what foreign bodies are brought in, which U.S. players performing in Europe can be coaxed back to return home and some trades the team can pull off. The Union has the first selection in the MLS SuperDraft in January.
Michael Lewis would like to hear from you. If you have a comment, drop him a line at email.
