COLUMBUS, Ohio - Major League Soccer today announced the selection order of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft, to be held on Friday, January 20, 2006 in Philadelphia, Pa. in conjunction with the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Convention at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
The Crew owns three picks in the four-round draft, including two picks in the first round, the third and ninth picks. Columbus also has the 27th overall pick, which is the third pick in the third round.
The Black & Gold obtained their second first-round pick after sending Jeff Cunningham to Colorado on January 14, 2005. Columbus does not have a second-round pick after sending their natural second-round pick to FC Dallas for Cornell Glen on April 26, 2005, who has since been traded to Colorado for defender Ritchie Kotschau. The Crew also does not have a fourth-round pick after a January, 24, 2004 trade with D.C. to acquire Devin Barclay.
The MLS SuperDraft selection order is determined as follows: The first four selections are from teams that did not qualify for the 2005 MLS Cup Playoffs beginning with the team with fewest 2005 regular season points (3 points per win, one point per tie). The remaining eight positions are ranked by fewest regular season points among the teams that were eliminated in the same round of the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Crew home opener is set for Saturday, April 15, vs. the Eastern Conference rival Chicago Fire. The national television schedule has not yet been finalized, so the start time for the game on April 15 has not been set. The complete 2006 schedule will be announced at a later date. Major League Soccer kicks off its 11th season on Saturday, April 1.
Crew fans can get a "Put out the Fire" Home Opener Pack for just $60, which includes four midfield vouchers, and can become Crew Soccer Nation members by purchasing Season Tickets now, including a new three-game season ticket package with prices starting as low as $24 for three games. All ticket packages are exclusively available through www.TheCrew.com and 614-447-CREW.
