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The MLS Waiver Draft takes place at 2pm Central today. The Waiver Draft consists of players that have been waived from their clubs, but do not meet the requirements for Free Agency (28 years old or older with 8 years of MLS experience) or the Re-Entry Draft (23 years old with 3 years of MLS experience, or 25 years old with 4 years). Minnesota United has the 22nd and last pick of the draft. Teams are not required to make a selection from the 43 available players, and only the Colorado Rapids made a selection last year. Nonetheless, United has a chance to add to its small roster today. Here's a look at some of the options for the Loons:
Darwin Jones, F
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Jones was a standout forward for the University of Washington, but has failed to produce for the Seattle Sounders. The 24-year-old hasn't gotten many opportunities in Seattle's talented attacking corps, but could be a quality attacker when given the opportunity.
Bottom Line: United already has a strong group of attackers in place, so adding an unproven forward is unnecessary.
Boyd Okwuonu, D
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Okwounu was once a USMNT U23 defender, but hasn't gotten opportunities with Real Salt Lake. He shows potential as fullback and has showed flashes of brilliance. He is a likely choice to be selected by other clubs who have weakness at fullback.
Bottom Line: Likely to be selected before Minnesota United has a chance, but certainly a good pick.
Shaun Wright-Phillips, F
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The English winger was dropped by the New York Red Bulls. He has never been the same quality as his brother Bradley, but is one of the big names in the draft.
Bottom Line: Big name, wrong position, unlikely to be chosen.
This draft fills the space between the expansion draft and the re-entry draft for MLS, and isn't likely to take too long. Most teams will pass on players, meaning the draft is going to be a quick one.
It is worth noting that Atlanta United has already waived a player.
Editor’s Note: That was uneventful. There was no player chosen by any team.