Based on previous player transactions, there are a few scenarios that may take place which can effect how many picks FC Dallas will have at the 2005 MLS SuperDraft on Friday, January 14. Bear with us on this, because it can get pretty complicated with all the scenarios not completely finished as of Thursday, January 6.
The 2005 SuperDraft, traditionally a six-round draft, will consist of four rounds in this year's edition. The fifth and sixth rounds of the draft will become the first and second rounds of a four-round draft for the soon to be named MLS development league, which will be held at a later date.
In the first round, FC Dallas will pick fourth overall, their natural pick, behind the two expansion teams and the Chicago Fire. Club Deportivo Chivas USA won a coin toss between them and Real Salt Lake and chose to pick first at the Expansion Draft in November. Therefore, RSL will have the first choice at the SuperDraft followed by CD Chivas USA, Chicago and FC Dallas. The MetroStars can either give FC Dallas a first round choice (12th overall) this year or their first and second round selections in 2006. One would think that the MetroStars would give Dallas their selection this year as it's the last pick in the first round, but with the pressure in the league to win now, they may hold on to their first round pick in 2005. This scenario is complicated by the fact that at the moment, the MetroStars don't have a first round pick. They have the option to acquire the last pick in the first round from D.C. United or they may choose to take a first-round pick from United next year.
In the second round, a few things could happen to take FC Dallas from zero picks to one pick. First of all, the team's natural second round pick will go to Colorado for compensation in the Scott Garlick trade. FC Dallas did receive a second round pick from Chicago for D.J. Countess, but it is scheduled to go to Kansas City for Carey Talley. If Dallas owns a second round selection the day before the draft and does not trade it, that pick will go to Kansas City. If FC Dallas does not own a second round selection, then Kansas City will receive Dallas' third round picks in both 2005 and in 2006.
In the third round, the team will have two selections. Their natural selection (assuming they give a second round pick to Kansas City this year) and Chicago's pick, which is compensation for Andy Herron.
In the fourth and final round, the team will own their one natural selection.
All in all FC Dallas will likely pick five times in the four rounds at the draft. It can be very difficult to follow because nothing is set in stone even though the draft is just a week away. However, this gives you an idea of what might be happening for FC Dallas at the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. Listed below is a list of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft for FC Dallas.
FC Dallas 2005 SuperDraft picks (subject to change):
1st Round - 2 picks* (natural pick at fourth overall and MetroStars pick at 12th overall)
2nd Round - 0 picks
3rd Round - 2 picks* (Chicago's pick at 27th and natural pick at 28th)
4th Round - 1 pick (natural pick at 40th)
Total 2005 FC Dallas picks - 5
- This assumes that the MetroStars will give FC Dallas first round selection this year (12th overall) and not first and second round natural selections in 2006.
- This assumes that the MetroStars will give FC Dallas first round selection this year (12th overall) and not first and second round natural selections in 2006.
**- This assumes that FC Dallas had a second round selection and it went to Kansas City.
* - These two picks in the third round assume that FC Dallas gave Kansas City their second round selection. If not, then Kansas City would take one of Dallas' third round selections in both 2005 and in 2006.
