MLS Philadelphia Union

Union Acquire First Round Pick, Allocation Money from Houston

Published on December 7, 2015 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Philadelphia Union News Release


CHESTER, Pa. - Philadelphia Union have acquired Houston Dynamo's Natural First Round selection, currently No. 6 overall, in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, along with both General and Targeted Allocation Money in a trade with Houston Dynamo. The Union sent midfielders Cristian Maidana and Andrew Wenger to the Dynamo. Per club and league policy, additional terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"We set out this offseason with a clear direction and this helps us start that process" Union technical director Chris Albright said. "We greatly value the increased cap flexibility, as well as the opportunity to have two high picks in the upcoming draft, increasing our ability to re-shape the roster. Cristian and Andrew should be commended for their time here and we wish them the best of luck."

Houston will convey their highest first round selection to the Union, currently at No. 6. If Houston acquires a pick higher than No. 6 prior to the draft, it will be conveyed to the Union, rather than No. 6. Currently, the Union will hold the No. 3 and No. 6 overall picks in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft, which will be held Jan. 14 in Baltimore, Md. The Union will also have Orlando City SC's second round pick, which the club acquired in a deal for Amobi Okugo on Dec. 8, 2014, giving them a total of three of the top 30 picks.

Maidana, 28, joined the Union prior to the 2014 season. He played in 54 games, had 48 starts and scored three goals in his two seasons with the club. Wenger, 24, joined the Union shortly after the start of the 2014 season on April 4. He played in 54 games, had 41 starts and scored seven goals.

The 2016 MLS offseason officially started today, Dec. 7 after the Portland Timbers defeated Columbus Crew SC in the MLS Cup on Sunday. Starting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, eligible free agents may engage in negotiations with MLS clubs. On Wednesday, Dec. 9, the MLS Waiver Draft will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will consist of players who have been waived by their clubs and are not eligible for Re-Entry or Free Agency. And on Friday, Dec. 11 at 3 p.m., Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft will begin at 3 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8

1 p.m., Free Agents may engage in negotiations

Wednesday, Dec. 9

4:30 p.m., Waiver Draft begins

Friday, Dec. 11

3 p.m., Stage One of the Re-Entry Draft begins

Thursday, Dec. 17

3 p.m., Stage Two of the Re-Entry Draft beings

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