KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Wizards midfielder Francisco Gomez and forward Matt Taylor were selected in today's MLS Expansion Draft. Both players were selected by CD Chivas USA, based out of Los Angeles, in the 10-round draft that also featured Real Salt Lake.
"We are sorry to lose 'Cisco and Matthew, they are two bright young players," said Head Coach Bob Gansler. "It was probably a God-sent for Cisco, he needed a change in venue especially going back to California to his family and his roots, I think it will rejuvenate his time in the League. Matt gave us some good moments and is a promising young player as well. We are sorry to lose them, but we wish them well."
Gomez was the 4th selection by Chivas (7th overall). Upon his selection, the Wizards protected defender Alex Zotinca. Taylor was the 6th pick by Chivas (11th overall), with the Wizards then electing to protect forward Igor Simutenkov.
Gomez, 25, has spent six season's in Kansas City, appeared in 114 matches, including 68 starts. He was signed by the Wizards as a Project-40 player prior to the 1999 season. He registered 11 goals and 14 assist for 36 points in his six-year career.
Taylor, 23, was selected by Chivas in the 6th round (11th overall). He was originally the 4th overall pick by the Wizards in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft out of UCLA. He appeared in 17 matches, including 4 starts, scoring three goals and adding one assist. His first two career goals came just 23 minutes apart against New England on June 19th.
