Major League Soccer will be hosting a special draft for expansion side Charlotte FC on Dec. 14 at 7:00 p.m. The 2021 MLS Expansion Draft will be broadcasted live by Charlotte FC’s broadcast partners locally and simulcast nationally on mlssoccer.com and the MLS app. Unlike the MLS SuperDraft, the Expansion Draft has a unique set of rules.
LA Galaxy, Nashville SC, New York Red Bulls, Orlando City SC and San Jose Earthquakes had players selected by Austin FC during the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft, so they are exempt for the 2021 Expansion Draft. However, the other 22 returning MLS clubs that competed during the 2021 season can protect 12 players from their senior, supplemental and reserve rosters. Generation adidas players and homegrown players are automatically protected, while designated players are not automatically protected.
Charlotte FC is allowed up to five selections and once a team has a player selected by Charlotte FC, they can have no more players selected.
Like every other MLS team, Philadelphia Union yesterday announced the names of the players that they chose not to protect from possible selection.
Matheus Davo, Forward – The Union acquired Davo on loan from Corinthians in August. The 21-year-old forward had two goals and three assists in 1,000 minutes for Guarani FC in early 2021. He had five goals and four assists in 44 appearances with Guarani in total. Davo made his MLS debut on Sept. 3 and played 18 minutes during the season.
Joseph Bendik, Goalkeeper – A member of the Union since July 2019, Bendik has been a reliable backup to Andre Blake who can perform well in a pinch. Bendik played over 300 minutes and allowed five goals in three starts. He has been in MLS since 2012.
Jesus Bueno, Midfield – Philadelphia signed Bueno from Deportivo Lara to a two-and-a-half-year contract with a club option in late July 2021. Bueno, 22, had been playing at Deportivo Lara since 2017, making 75 appearances, scoring nine goals and logging three assists. He made six appearances for the Union during the 2021 MLS season and appeared in the postseason twice, totaling 54 minutes.
Cory Burke, Forward – Burke joined Bethlehem Steel FC from Rivoli United on a year-long loan in 2016, but the deal was made permanent after Burke registered four goals in 20 appearances for Steel during the 2016 season. He was signed by the Union in December 2017 and made his debut for the team in 2018. A mainstay on the Jamaican National Team, Burke has also played for Portmore United and St. Polten, Burke has 21 goals across all competition for the Union.
Aurelien Collin, Defense – A professional since 2007, Collin is the second oldest member of the Union at 35 years old. He joined MLS in 2011 with Sporting Kansas City before also playing for Orlando City and New York Red Bulls. He signed with Philadelphia in January of 2019 and has appeared in just eight matches.
Stuart Findlay, Defense – Findlay joined the Union in February 2021 and was used sparingly during his first season in MLS, making eight appearances with four starts across all competitions. Findlay came from Scottish Premiership’s Kilmarnock where he scored 11 goals and had three assists across 144 total appearances.
Ilsinho, Midfield – The oldest member of the Union, Ilsinho joined Philadelphia before the 2016 MLS season and quickly became a fan favorite thanks to his skilled footwork and playmaking ability. Since he joined the team, Ilsinho has 22 goals and 20 assists in the regular season.
Matej Oravec, Midfield – Oravec came to Philadelphia from FK DAC of the Slovakian league, Fortuna Liga. He made 17 appearances in the 2019-20 season. In 2018, he was nominated for the Golden Boy Award, which is presented to the best U21 player in Europe. Oravec has appeared in the matchday squad eight times for the Union, but never made his MLS debut. He is currently on loan with Slovakian 2. Liga side, FK Železiarne Podbrezová.
Gino Portella, Defense – A young center back, Portella is a member of Union II, formerly of the USL Championship and a future part of MLS Next Pro.
Alvas Powell, Defense – After training with the club in May and June, Powell signed a one-year deal with Philadelphia on June 10, 2021. Less than two weeks later, Powell made his team debut. During his abbreviated time with the team, Powell made four starts, including two post-season matches of the Audi 2021 MLS Cup Playoffs. Powell started his professional career with Portmore United in 2012 before being loaned to Portland Timbers in 2013. He has also been a member of FC Cincinnati, Inter Miami and Al-Hilal Club.