November 25, 2009 CAUGHT IN THE DRAFT Miglioranzi selected by Union
Stefani Miglioranzi was one of ten players picked by expansion club Philadelphia Union. Linda Cuttone/Sports Vue Images.
PHILADELPHIA– LA Galaxy midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi has been selected by the Philadelphia Union in the 2009 MLS Expansion Draft.
A 2008 MLS Cup winner with the Columbus Crew, Miglioranzi appeared in 23 games for the Galaxy this season, despite missing the final month of the regular season and the playoffs with a groin injury.
The Union will be the 16th MLS team when they begin play in 2010.
Miglioranzi began his MLS career with the Galaxy in 2006, signing with the club late in the season and appearing in three games before being traded to Columbus prior to the start of the 2007 season.
The 32-year-old spent two seasons with the Crew, playing 37 games for the Crew, tallying three goals and three assists while helping lead the club to their first-ever MLS Cup championship in 2008.
He returned to the Galaxy in January, when the club acquired him from the Crew in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft. An NCAA champion at St. John’s, Miglioranzi tied a career-high with 23 games played while starting a career-best 20 games for the Galaxy this season. He was used primarily in the center of midfield this season, playing in front of an LA defense that allowed just 31 goals this season, exactly half the number of goals that they had allowed in 2008. Miglioranzi finished tied for second on the team with four yellow cards this season and was fourth on the team with 33 fouls committed.
The Union’s full list of selections:
Goalkeeper: Brad Knighton (New England)
Defenders: Dave Myrie (Chicago Fire), Shavar Thomas (Chivas USA), Jordan Harvey (Colorado Rapids)
Midfielders: Shea Salinas (San Jose Earthquakes), Stefani Miglioranzi (Los Angeles Galaxy), Andrew Jacobsen (D.C. United)
Forwards: Nick Zimmerman (New York Red Bulls), Alejandro Moreno (Columbus Crew), Sebastien Le Toux (Seattle Sounders)
