Mike Grella and Tyrone Mears are traded
Midfielder Mike Grella and defender Tyrone Mears were selected by the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC, respectively, during Stage 1 of the 2017 MLS Re-Entry Draft on Friday.
After the LA Galaxy and D.C. United passed on their first-round picks, the Rapids chose former New York Red Bulls midfielder Grella. Shortly after the Re-Entry Draft, Colorado then traded Grella to Columbus Crew SC for a natural 2019 second-round MLS SuperDraft pick. In his three seasons with the Red Bulls, Grella recorded 16 goals and 13 assists in 73 games. Grella’s 2017 campaign was cut short because of an early-season knee injury.
Second-year club Minnesota United FC then selected 2016 MLS Cup winner Mears, who spent the 2017 season with expansion Atlanta United. Mears had a goal and assist with Atlanta in 20 games. In his previous two seasons with Seattle Sounders FC, Mears recorded five assists and a goal in 65 games – all starts – and was a member of the 2016 championship side.
Players not selected Friday are eligible for Stage 2 of the draft, which takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Thursday, Dec. 21. Clubs have until 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 20, to sign their own Re-Entry eligible players.
A player may choose to opt out of the Re-Entry Process prior to Stage 2 of the draft. In such instances, the Right of First Refusal for the player will remain with his previous club. Players who remain unselected after Stage 2 will be available to any MLS club on a first-come, first-served basis.
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