Now that the MLS regular season is over, how did players with ties to Georgia do. As part of the review, I’ve included if I think the players will be left exposed in the expansion draft, which would make them eligible to be selected by either Atlanta United or Minnesota United on Dec. 13.
Chicago
Goalkeeper Sean Johnson (@SJohn25), Lilburn, Atlanta Blackhawks, Atlanta Fire
He started 22 games and posted five shutouts. He made 68 saves and allowed 37 goals. His record was 6-10-6. The Fire finished with 31 points, last in the Eastern Conference.
With a salary of $250,000, cheaper options available and the club needing to do many things to change its fortunes, it would seem likely that Johnson will be made available.
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Colorado
Midfielder Sam Cronin, Atlanta
He started 33 games, scoring one goal with three assists. The Rapids finished with 58 points, second in the Western Conference.
It will be interesting to see what the Rapids do with Cronin. His salary of $227,500 seems a bargain for a professional player. Plus, he’s just 29 years old. It would be surprising if he’s made available.
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Dallas
Defender Walker Zimmerman (@Thewalkerzim), Lawrenceville
He started 30 games and scored four goals. He set career highs for appearances, goals, minutes (2,700), shots (28), shots on goal (11) and fouls (38). Dallas won the Supporters Shield with a league-high 60 points, tops in the Western Conference.
It would be stunning if Dallas put Zimmerman, arguably one of the league’s better defenders, on the exposed list.
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Houston
Midfielder Ricardo Clark (@RicoC13), Atlanta, AFC Lightning, Atlanta
He stated 29 games, played in 32, and scored four goals with four assists, which tied a career high in MLS. Houston finished with 34 points, last in the Western Conference.
The combination of Clark’s age (33) and salary ($356,700) makes it likely that he will be on the exposed list.
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New England
Defender Jordan McCrary (@J_Mccrary9), Marietta
Selected with 10th pick in the 2016 SuperDraft after starting 20 matches for North Carolina as a senior. He didn't make an appearance with the first team this season. New England finished with 42 points, just outside of the six teams that made the playoffs in the Eastern Conference.
Unless New England thinks McCrary won’t develop into a contributing player, it would be surprising to see him on the exposed list.
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New York
Defender Chris Duvall (@ChrisDuvall91), Duluth
He started a career-high 20 games, played in a career-high 25, and had a career-high two assists and 19 fouls. The Red Bulls finished with 57 points, tops in the Eastern Conference.
With a salary of just $63,000, along with a solid record this season, it would be surprising to see him put on the exposed list.
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NYCFC
Midfielder Kwadwo Poku (@Poku), Silverbacks
Was traded to FC Miami in NASL during the season. Started three games with seven appearances for the MLS club. NYCFC finished with 54 points, second in the Eastern Conference.
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Orlando
Goalkeeper Joe Bendik (@jtbendik), Marietta
Started a career-high 34 games with a career-high five shutouts. Saved 114 shots with 60 goals allowed. His record was 9-11-14. He was second in the league in saves. Orlando finished with 41 points, eighth in the Eastern Conference.
Along with Zimmerman, it would be stunning if Bendik were put on the exposed list. He provides exceptional value for his salary ($147,666.67).
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Philadelphia
Defender Warren Creavalle (@Warrenspeak), Acworth
Started a career-high 21 games as part of 27 appearances. Had one assist and 33 fouls. Philadelphia finished with 42 points, sixth in the Eastern Conference.
This will be an interesting decision for Philadelphia. Creavalle is the type of player whose value is hard to quantify. His salary of $125,666.67 may means he’s put on the list, even if Philadelphia doesn’t really want to part with him.
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Portland
Defender Chris Klute (@ChrisKlute), Silverbacks
Started eight games as his playing time continued to decrease for the fourth consecutive season. Portland finished with 44 points, seventh in the Western Conference. The defending champs failed to make the playoffs.
He will almost certainly be on the exposed list.
Forward Jack McInerney (@Jackmcinerney9), Atlanta
Started eight games as part of 24 appearances. He scored eight goals in 904 minutes. Portland finished with 44 points, seventh in the Western Conference. The defending champs failed to make the playoffs.
Though he scores goals, his inability to secure a starting spot and his salary ($270,000) may mean he’s put on the exposed list.
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Sporting KC
Goalkeeper Alec Kann (@Akann90), Decatur
Made seven starts and played 630 minutes. He had two shutouts, made 17 saves and allowed 11 goals as part of a record of 2-2-3. KC finished with 47 points, fifth in the Western Conference.
A serviceable goalie with a salary of $63,000 is a hard combination to top.
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Toronto
Defender Mark Bloom (@Markbloom21), Marietta, Silverbacks
Started five games as part of seven appearances. Had two assists. Toronto finished with 53 points, third in the Eastern Conference.
Because he barely played and has a salary of $101,848.89, it seems likely he will be put on the exposed list.
