Former Real Salt Lake head coach Jason Kreis wasted no time adding some RSL flavor to New York City FC, his new club, during Wednesday’s Major League Soccer expansion draft.
NYCFC grabbed RSL midfielder Ned Grabavoy with its first pick of the draft and defender Chris Wingert with its final pick.
In all, 20 players were selected between NYCFC and Orlando City SC, the league's two newest franchises.
RSL protected 11 players prior to the draft, including striker Alvaro Saborio and goalkeeper Nick Rimando. Following Grabavoy’s pick, the club added young defender Carlos Salcedo to its protected list.
Grabavoy started 30 games for RSL this season. He joined the club in 2009. Wingert, whose option was picked up last week and was previously the longest tenured RSL member, also started 30 games this season. He joined RSL in 2007 after previous stints with Colorado and Columbus.
Rimando jumped on Twitter shortly after Grabavoy’s selection to voice his appreciation for the midfielder’s time with RSL.
“NYCFC just got such a valuable player not only for its team but for its organization,” Rimando tweeted. “You will be missed Ned.”
The club also traded defender Nat Borchers to Portland on Monday.