The Philadelphia Union finally united some players and the youth movement rules.
The Union selected 10 players in the MLS Expansion Draft Wednesday and while there were some notable names there were no superstars and only two players 30 or older.
They didn't order their picks and instead addressed positions. Coming to the blue and gold are goalkeeper Brad Knighton; defenders Dave Myrie, Shavar Thomas and Jordan Harvey; midfielders Shea Salinas, Stefani Miglioranzi, Andrew Jacobsen; and forwards Nick Zimmerman, Alejandro Moreno and Sebastien Le Toux.
Union Manager Peter Nowak explained what they looked for in their picks.
“We have been scouting and evaluating talent for many months," said Nowak. "We have chosen a group of players who will give us some flexibility and create options for us, as we now build our initial roster. There is still much work ahead of us.”
It seemed that the Union were most concerned with getting young players such as Jacobson, Knighton and Salinas. But, they did mix in MLS veterans like 32-year-old Miglioranzi and 30-year-old Moreno.
Migli, a Brazilian native, has played three full seasons in the MLS and started 20 games last year for the L.A. Galaxy. The Venezuelan Moreno is a veteran of seven MLS seasons, making 154 starts and scoring 43 goals during that time.
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The duo of 30-something guys should add some experience to their young teammates. As should 28-year-old Thomas. The Jamaican national last played for Chivas USA where he was part of MLS' No. 2 ranked defense in 2007.
The Union could have opted to grab some other older players like All-Star goalkeeper Pat Onstad but instead opted for the much younger Knighton.
