Los Angeles Galaxy director of soccer Paul Bravo said his team entered the draft seeking three players and obtained all of them.
"We got our top three guys," Bravo said. "These are the three names that (manager) Ruud (Gullit) gave us."
Aiming to supplement the high-priced talent that lines the Galaxy's star-studded roster, Bravo was looking for players who could step in and possibly contribute without pressing his team further against the salary cap.
Citing those salary cap concerns, the Galaxy shipped veteran defender Chris Albright to New England in a draft-day trade acquiring allocation money in exchange.
"We've accomplished all the goals we've set for ourselves in this draft," Bravo said. "These minimum salary guys are important for us."
The Galaxy selected local product Sean Franklin with the fourth overall pick. Franklin, a defender out of Cal State-Northridge, featured for the U-23 team in a two-match tour in Japan in 2007 and the U-20 national team in 2005.
"I'm excited to go play with Beckham," Franklin said. "I'm looking forward to it. I'm excited to learn from those guys."
Hailing from nearby Palmdale, Franklin said he was excited to play in front of his friends and family.
"Staying close to home is great," Franklin said. "My friends and family can get to see the games."
Second-round pick (21st overall) Ely Allen isn't local, but he will have former Washington Huskies teammate Ty Harden to welcome him. The left-sided midfielder, who featured for the U-18 national team in 2004, can't wait to hit sunnier climes.
"I like Los Angeles as a city," Allen said. "There's no rain out there, unlike Seattle. Maybe I can work on my tan."
Allen's destination earned plaudits from his family.
"I think my mom's going to be more excited about me playing with Beckham than I will be," Allen said.
The Galaxy nabbed Wake Forest defender Julian Valentin with the first pick of round three (29th overall), ending the all-American's nervous wait in the audience.
"I'm ecstatic," Valentin said. "It's a new era for the Galaxy and I'm excited to be a part of it."
Valentin played for the United States at the U-17, U-18, and U-20 levels and said that his experience will help him adjust to the rigorous spotlight trained on Galaxy players.
"I think I fit that bill," Valentin said, admitting that he could play in a high intensity environment. "I was in the spotlight with the youth national teams. I think there are a lot of players there that can make me better."
Valentine slipped because of questions about his athleticism. Bravo dismissed those concerns, comparing Valentine to former U.S. international Jeff Agoos and stating that he could succeed at the next level.
"Maybe he's not the fastest player in the draft," Bravo said. "But he has good understanding and awareness. He also has the ability to communicate."
The Galaxy rounded out their seven selections by grabbing Wake Forest goalkeeper Brian Edwards (second round, 28th overall), Creighton goalkeeper Matt Allen (third round, 34th overall), University of San Francisco defender Brendon McDonald (fourth round, 46th overall), and Santa Clara defender/midfielder Matt Hatzke (fourth round, 51st overall)
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
