Seattle Sounders Leave Riley, Fucito, Wahl, Gonzalez Available To Expansion Draft

With the announcement of the twelve players protected from selection in the Montreal Impact's expansion draft there are a few players that could be labeled as "key" to the strong 2011 who were left available for selection. The protected list is heavy on players up the spine was well as wide midfielders but leaves three fullbacks available as neither of the left backs (Tyson Wahl or Leo Gonzalez) nor iron man James Riley are protected. With both central midfielders protected the battle among the 24-26 year old goalscorers is lost by Mike Fucito as he is also available. Those four unprotected player massed 8990 minutes between them and likely provide additional indication that Sigi and the front office are targeting a reworking of wide defense.

A few other players of possible interest to Montreal are Patrick Ianni and Servando Carrasco both who have shown flashes of being starting caliber in MLS are still youngish and don't break the bank. O'Brian White is unprotected while Steve Zakuani is safely in Seattle, but the oft injured and still recovering White is unlikely to be plucked by the Impact.

It is also notable that Miguel Montano, once loaned to the Impact of the NASL, is left available for selection. No trades between Seattle and Montreal were made prior to the Protected List being announced.

Adrian Hanauer released a statement noting the depth of the squad and the expectation that Seattle loses someone who contributed to success over the past year or years.

"Given the fact we've lost three players to expansion drafts the past two seasons we are bracing ourselves for the possibility of losing someone. Despite those losses we have developed a deep squad and grown stronger. We couldn't protect everyone, so some of those who contributed significantly to our success are bound to be exposed. It will be interesting to see how Montreal approaches this."

Seattle Sounders fans will find out which player is selected at Noon Pacific on Wednesday when the Impact will make their Expansion Draft selections during a live conference call streamed at www.MLSSoccer.com.

Who do you expect to leave?

Here are the stats of the players most likely to be of interest to the Impact

This may be the end of the Church of Fucito. We'll find out Wednesday