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The Current Supporters’ Shield leading FC Dallas have a plethora of talent. The only kicker is that most of it is young and controllable. That’s the great advantage of producing so many good Homegrown players. As deep as their roster is, they’ll have the benefit of protecting most of their valuable players. Oscar Pareja strikes again...
There are still are few potential unprotected players who are appealing. Here’s how we see their lists shaking out:
(NOTE: Victor Ulloa’s status is difficult to determine, so we are not sure if he would need to be protected or not. If he is not exempt, he would definitely be protected by Dallas. That would likely mean Akindele would be left unprotected.)
Projected Protected List
- Kellyn Acosta
- Tesho Akindele
- Michael Barrios
- Fabian Castillo
- Mauro Diaz
- Maynor Figueroa
- Carlos Gruezo
- Matt Hedges
- Ryan Hollingshead
- Maxi Urruti
- Walker Zimmerman
Exempt Players
- Coy Craft (Homegrown)
- Jesse Gonzalez (Homegrown)
- Aaron Guillen (Homegrown)
- Moises Hernandez (Homegrown)
- Paxton Pomykal (Homegrown)
- Victor Ulloa (Homegrown)
Available Players
- Colin Bonner
- Aubrey David
- Getterson
- Atiba Harris
- Ryan Herman
- Carlos Lizarazo
- Zach Loyd
- Juan Ortiz
- Norberto Paparatto
- Timo Pitter
- Mauro Rosales
- Carlos Ruiz
- Chris Seitz
Potential Targets for Atlanta United: Zach Loyd, Atiba Harris, Mauro Rosales, Chris Seitz
Jason: Zach Loyd would be the easy choice out of who is available, but he has been out for quite a while with a concussion. Chris Seitz is a proven goalkeeper in MLS, who has had a very strong season in Dallas this year. With so many goalkeepers likely available, it will be a matter of preference. Atiba Harris is a utility player who could be useful in a variety of roles.
I would not use an expansion draft pick on him, but do not be surprised to see the team make a run at Mauro Rosales as a veteran presence off the bench. If Martino becomes Atlanta’s manager, Rosales is a player he is likely familiar with due to their mutual connections to Newell’s Old Boys in Argentina.
If for some reason Dallas decided to risk leaving Fabian Castillo unprotected, take him in a heartbeat. His possible transfer (he is only on loan right now) to Turkey could always fall apart, due to the club Trabzonspor not having enough money to complete the deal. There’s always the possibility he decides the Turkish league is not for him. Even if the transfer does go through, Atlanta would then benefit from allocation money due to holding his MLS rights. He’s worth the risk if he’s available, especially if Martino is the manager. He could be a perfect fit for his system.
Finally, Aubrey David could be a possibility. He has looked good at right back since joining Dallas from Saprissa. He is only on loan, so it would be a risk to grab his rights. If Atlanta feels like the buying option on him is manageable, he could be a starter in this league for quite a while.
Rob: Depending on his health, Zach Loyd would be a great pick-up. He’s versatile in defense and reliable. He was sniffing the U.S. national team at the end of the Bob Bradley era and quite frankly should’ve been a part of the team. He’s come back down to earth a bit since his best days but he’s still a very useful player. He’s one to seriously consider for one of the five picks if available.
Atiba Harris has experience playing in an uptempo system and could fit an attacking style of a certain Argentine rumored to be taking the Atlanta United job. But other than that similarity, I’m not sure he’s worth consideration. He’s hitting the downside of his career which has seen him be a journeyman through the league.
Mauro Rosales will be 36 years old when the next MLS season kicks off. No thanks.
There will surely be better goalkeeping options than Chris Seitz on the board. We’ve named at least two already in this series and we’re only five teams in. Pass.