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Toronto FC made a splash in the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft today, picking up Danny Califf with the first overall selection, after repeated interest in the defender saw him linked to Toronto FC earlier last season.
That’s right – Danny Califf, the same Danny Califf who once told Philadelphia’s Daily Times, “I didn’t even know what to say. I couldn’t say anything. I called (head coach Peter Nowack) back later and said, ‘Please, if you’re going to make this trade, please don’t send me to Toronto. If you have to make this trade, please don’t let it be to Toronto.’”
Anywhere but Toronto FC was the message back then, but with Toronto FC putting harsh words behind them and extending an offer once again, Califf may have no choice. The club has seven days to present a contract to Califf, who will then make a decision whether to jump on board or go elsewhere. If he picks the former, Toronto FC add a strong and capable central defender to their line-up, the first time in club history where two high-quality centerbacks have suited up for the Reds simultaneously.
Should Califf choose the latter, however, Toronto FC retains his rights, and will possibly look to make a trade. Toronto FC also re-signed rightback Jeremy Hall and forward Andrew Wiedeman; welcome back, gents!
The Los Angeles Galaxy made six selections in the 2011 Re-Entry Draft, and were quite busy this year, too, making two picks to reinforce their roster. They traded up to spot number two with Chivas USA, in exchange for an international spot, and pick up the Houston Dynamo’s Colin Clark, a surprise inclusion on this list. Clark is a capable midfielder who has a penchant for crossing and gives Los Angeles a midfield option now that Mr Beckham has departed. In the second round, the Galaxy picked up Will Hesmer from Columbus, as a backup keeper for Josh Saunders, or perhaps as a starter.
The New England Revolution also made a couple selections of their own, with a distinctly Norwegian feel. They’re opted for Chad Barrett from the Galaxy, who spent last season on loan to Vålerenga, as well as Hunter Freeman, who left MLS in 2009 to play for IK Start, before returning to Houston and bouncing to Colorado. The pair will hope to find their feet in New England.
Perhaps the smartest selection came from the Philadelphia Union, who chose Conor Casey. The long-time MLS hitman found himself on the Re-Entry Draft list and was a favourite for selection, and the Union weren’t afraid to pull the trigger for the big guy up top. He’s the kind of player the Union need, and with the return of Sébastien Le Toux, along with the emergence of Jack McInerney, Philadelphia has three very good forwards to work with.
Depth was another luring point for certain clubs. FC Dallas added centerback Stephen Keel from New York, to play backup for George John or Ugo Ihemelu. Real Salt Lake picked up Jamaican defender/midfielder Lovel Palmer from Portland, as a utility player for a very adaptable RSL line-up. The Whitecaps chose Brazilian midfielder Paulo Jr.; they’ll hope to find that Joga Bonito chemistry with Camilo Sanvezzo. Finally, D.C. United selected John Thorrington from the Whitecaps.
Toronto FC seemed to be the team to look at when it comes to finding that depth. Colorado Rapids saw Eric Avila and snatched him up quickly. San Jose took former TFC defender Dan Gargan, before picking up Ty Harden in the second wave. The Earthquakes also took Bryan Jordan from Los Angeles, adding depth across their backline.
Even though the selections came in fast and furiously, there were many teams who did not make any picks at all. The Montreal Impact chose to pass in the first wave, opting instead to build with the European mold they have already established with their Italian core. The Columbus Crew, Chicago Fire, Seattle Sounders, Houston Dynamo and Chivas USA were confident in their rosters and didn’t make a selection: the New York Red Bulls didn’t even pick up the phone.
There were a few interesting players who weren’t selected, with clubs ignoring some top-quality MLS talent like Kevin Hartman, who is arguably one of the top 10 goalkeepers in the league. The former FC Dallas keeper has been a servant of the league since 1997, and has been a consistent presence between the sticks – odd that, in a league with a need for quality keepers, Hartman went unselected.
Another odd exclusion was Julius James, who had proven himself as a capable centerback. Mike Chabala and Kyle Reynish are other notable names.
Julian de Guzman was also released by FC Dallas, becoming a free agent: whether he re-signs with another MLS club or goes back to Germany to be with his family is yet to be seen, but it looks like de Guzman’s career as an MLS Designated Player has come to a close.
Toronto FC will be pleased with their first overall pick, though it comes with the contingency that Danny Califf has agreed to play for the club. Whether Califf is the answer to Toronto FC’s defensive woes is yet to be seen, but if Califf is on board and willing to partner up with Darren O’Dea for the Reds, Toronto FC may just have figured out the one problem that has plagued them for several seasons.
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