MLS: Off-Season Moves, "Waiver Draft"

November 22- Yesterday, Major League Soccer hosted a poorly publicized "Waiver Draft", which allowed teams to cut players they no longer found useful and replace them players, who had been waived by other teams in the league. Although the league made no announcements, D.C. United, FC Dallas, Red Bull New York, and The Colorado Rapids posted press releases which shed some light on the details of the draft.

Colorado released the most players from its roster with a total of six. The most notable players cut by the Rapids were Alain Nkong, Melvin Tarley, and Eric Denton. Both Nkong and Tarley were late editions to the Rapids' roster this season, but both players ate up valuable senior international spots on the roster. However, it should be noted that Tarley managed one goal and one assist in 12 appearances for the Rapids after having a solid season with the Minnesota Thunder and the Jamaican National Team.

Denton, a seasoned veteran, was quickly picked up by Red Bull New York. Denton will likely fill the shoes of Scottish International, Peter Canero, who had a terrible season for New York after being brought over by Mo Johnston, who is now with Toronto FC. New York also placed Chris Henderson, Tony Meola, and Steve Jolley on waivers. Surprisingly, this move leaves the American hero from World Cup '94 without a team as Tony Meola must find new nets to tend in Major League Soccer.

At the same time, New York made another move to tighten up its backline. The Red Bulls traded forward Edson Buddle to Toronto FC in exchange for Tim Regan. Regan started his career in New York as a Metrostar but spent last season in the back for Chivas USA.

D.C. United cut three players during the draft but has not made any mention of signing anyone to fill the gaps left by Andy Metcalf, Matt Nickell, and Robert Ssejjemba. F.C. Dallas only announced the dismissal of forward Alex Smith. Because the Dallas roster features proven strikers in Carlos Ruiz, Roberto Mina, Ramon Nunez, and Kenny Cooper, the team never required Smith's services.

For many of these players, this may mean the end of their professional soccer careers. Others will make their way to smaller leagues overseas, to the United Soccer Leagues, or to the Major Indoor Soccer League. The teams on the hand will move on and look to bolster their roster with big signings this off-season. 2007 promises to be an entertaining year for Major League Soccer as it will be the only year for overlap between the "Beckham Rule", which will allow each team to sign one player outside of the salary cap, and the league player allocation funds, which effectively serve a similar purpose. Until then, fans can enjoy watching the drama unfold as rosters are trimmed to make room for the "Beckham's" of the soccer world.