BALTIMORE - The New England Revolution entered the draft expecting to leave with five rookies. They left with five rookies and one experienced U.S. international.
Springing a draft-day surprise, the Revs acquired defender Chris Albright from Los Angeles in exchange for allocation money.
The 29-year-old missed most of the season with a torn hamstring but recovered in time to feature on the Galaxy's postseason tour of Australia. Albright even inked a new deal with the league last week and expected to remain with the Galaxy.
But salary budget issues forced on the Galaxy with Carlos Ruiz's arrival meant Los Angeles had to shift some funds around to leave space for further foreign acquisitions.
That left Albright available and Revolution head coach Steve Nicol pounced on draft day after speaking with Albright by phone Thursday night.
"Albright was someone that we targeted," Nicol said. "He's an international footballer."
Reached in his California home, Albright said he had other options within the league, but preferred to link up with the Revolution.
"The quality of the organization, the team, and Steve as a coach makes me want to play there," Albright said. "I'm excited about it."
Defense remained on Nicol's mind with first-round pick Rob Valentino, the 13th overall selection. The University of San Francisco defender missed the 2007 with a left ACL tear, yet his quality shone after playing with the U-23 national team on a tour of Japan early in 2007.
Valentino, a Generation adidas signing, won't count against the Revolution's salary budget and Nicol believes that the defender can compete for playing time this season.
"We were looking for defenders [in the draft]," Nicol said. "Rob takes it personally when he gets beat and he's got great character. He's the whole package for us."
Nicol gambled with his second round pick (18th overall) by selecting Duke midfielder Michael Videira. Reached by phone, Videira confirmed that he would seek overseas options after he recovered from a torn quadriceps muscle.
Despite Videria's overseas intentions, Nicol believes the risk was worth taking.
"If he signed with the league, he would have been a first-round pick," Nicol said. "We thought he was worth the risk. If he comes back, we've potentially got a great player."
Videria indicated that he would sign in New England if overseas options fell through and Nicol hopes the Milford, Mass. native will eventually end up in Revolution colors.
"In the central midfield, you need quality," Nicol said. "It's hard to find quality in there. He can pass, he can attack, and he can defend."
The Revs filled out their draft class by selecting Brown defender Matthew Britner (third round, 41st overall) and Duke midfielders Joe Germanese (third round, 27th overall) and Spencer Wadsworth (fourth round, 55th overall).
Kyle McCarthy is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
