That Brian Ching selection at No. 1 in the Expansion Draft clearly didn't work out so well for Jesse Marsch and the Montreal Impact.
So, in hindsight, who were the best 10 players that they left on the table from the pool of names available? Here is our list and most of them would have been guaranteed starters:
10. Michael Lahoud (Chivas USA)– Standout speed in MLS at right back and right midfield. Would have been worth risk despite concussion history.
9. Daniel Paladini (Chicago Fire) – Feisty, box-to-box central midfielder with solid shot from outside and good vision.Solid all-rounder.
8. Steve Purdy (Portland Timbers) – Timbers back-up right back who has the pace and size to match up with most attackers. Ready for primetime.
7. Kyle Nakazawa (Philadelphia Union) – The MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy thought highly enough of "Naka" to trade for the dangerous set-piece taker.
6. Wells Thompson (Colorado Rapids) – Shep Messing won’t agree, but Thompson’s industry and tireless work rate guarantee him minutes anywhere in MLS.
5. Mike Fucito (Seattle Sounders) – Despite injury hiccups, Fucito’s speed and hard work would have provided Jesse Marsch with a different look for a thin Impact forward corps.
4. Ned Grabavoy (Real Salt Lake) – Although he says he’s always warded off expansion teams before these drafts, his experience make him a must-have player.
3. Eric Alexander (Portland Timbers)– Another all-around midfielder with solid technique and still room to grow. His age (23) places him above Grabavoy.
2. Soony Saad (Sporting KC)– Promising youngster worth the investment of an expansion draft pick though not yet a starter.
1. Michael Stephens (LA Galaxy)– Olympic hopeful would have been ready to snag a regular spot in the Impact's XI after two years under Bruce Arena.
