A New York Red Bulls fan favorite is heading to the midwest and a former MLS Cup champion lands in Minnesota.
In Stage 1 of the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft, midfielder Mike Grella was selected by the Colorado Rapids while right back Tyrone Mears was picked up by Minnesota United FC. Grella was subsequently traded to Columbus Crew SC for a second-round pick in the 2019 SuperDraft.
Grella had 16 goals and 13 assists in his first two seasons with the Red Bulls before having his last season with the team in 2017 hampered by injuries, allowing him to play just 362 minutes. Mears helped the Seattle Sounders capture the 2016 MLS Cup before being traded to Atlanta United last offseason. He would go on to make 16 starts, but lost his starting right back job to Anton Walkes midseason.
Per MLS rules, all three players will have their contract options picked up and will immediately be added to the roster of their new teams.
Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft will be held next Thursday at 3 pm ET. Unlike Stage 1, when clubs have to pick up the contract option of any player selected, clubs that make selections in Stage 2 of the Re-Entry Draft secure the right to negotiate a new deal with drafted players.
2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft - Stage 1 Results
ROUND 1
Club |
Pick |
|
---|---|---|
1 |
LA Galaxy |
Pass |
2 |
D.C. United |
Pass |
3 |
Colorado Rapids |
<a href="/players/mike-grella">Mike Grella</a> |
4 |
Minnesota United FC |
<a href="/players/tyrone-mears">Mears, Tyrone</a> |
5 |
Orlando City SC |
Pass |
6 |
Montreal Impact |
Pass |
7 |
Philadelphia Union |
Pass |
8 |
New England Revolution |
Pass |
9 |
Real Salt Lake |
Pass |
10 |
FC Dallas |
Pass |
11 |
San Jose Earthquakes |
Pass |
12 |
Sporting Kansas City |
Pass |
13 |
Atlanta United |
Pass |
14 |
Chicago Fire |
Pass |
15 |
New York Red Bulls |
Pass |
16 |
Vancouver Whitecaps FC |
Pass |
17 |
Portland Timbers |
Pass |
18 |
New York City FC |
Pass |
19 |
Houston Dynamo |
Pass |
20 |
Columbus Crew SC |
Pass |
21 |
Seattle Sounders |
Pass |
22 |
Toronto FC |
Pass |
23 |
Los Angeles Football Club |
Pass |
ROUND 2
Club |
Pick |
|
---|---|---|
1 |
Colorado Rapids |
Pass |
2 |
Minnesota United FC |
Pass |