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MLS: Grella and Mears Selected in MLS Re-Entry Draft

By Liam Pettit

HARRISON, NJ - MAY 27: New York Red Bulls forward Mike Grella (13) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and the New England Revolution on May 27, 2017 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
HARRISON, NJ - MAY 27: New York Red Bulls forward Mike Grella (13) during the first half of the Major League Soccer game between the New York Red Bulls and the New England Revolution on May 27, 2017 at Red Bull Arena in Harrison, NJ. (Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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In Friday’s MLS Re-Entry Draft, former Red Bulls midfielder, Mike Grella, was traded to Columbus Crew SC. Minnesota FC selected defender Tyrone Mears.

Out of contract players can seek a new club via the MLS Re-Entry Draft. Players can enter the draft if they are not eligible for free agency or can opt out of the process altogether which four players did before Stage 1. Last season’s standings in reverse determine the order of the Re-Entry Draft.

Only 2 of the 61 available players were selected in the first round of the MLS Re-Entry draft on December 15th, 2017.

Columbus Crew SC received Mike Grella from the Colorado Rapids in a trade which sent a second-round 2019 MLS SuperDraft draft pick to Colorado.

Minnesota United FC acquired Tyrone Mears with the fourth pick of the draft.

Mike Grella

Columbus Crew SC is now added to the long list of clubs Grella has played for in his career. The New York Red Bulls declined Grella’s contract option after the 2017 season. For the Red Bulls, the Long Island native played 3 seasons tallying 73 appearances. Red Bull fans adored Grella for his off-field professionalism, as well as his on-field skill and flair. The hometown kid leaves Harrison with 16 goals and 13 assists, as well as the nickname, “Grelladinho”. The Crew will hope Grella can add some depth to their skillful mid-field, and recover from a left knee injury suffered in early 2017.

Tyrone Mears

Tyrone Mears
Seattle Sounders defender Tyrone Mears (4) celebrates with the MLS cup after their victory over Toronto FC at BMO Field on December 10, 2016 in Toronto. / AFP / Cole Burston (Photo credit should read COLE BURSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /

Minnesota United FC picked 34-year-old outside back, Tyrone Mears, in an attempt to shore up their back line that was woeful in 2017. Mears came to MLS in 2015 joining the Seattle Sounders where he led the team in minutes played. In 2016, Mears was an integral part of Seattle’s MLS Cup-winning season with his excellent 1v1 defending. The Jamaican international played last season with the new expansion team, Atlanta United, where he quickly fell out of favor. After Stage 1 of the draft, Minnesota United FC coach Adrian Heath spoke highly of Mears,

Next: Zardes to the Crew?

"He’s an exceptional athlete, so his age doesn’t worry me. Most importantly, he gives us great depth in both fullback positions. Having spoken to the people at Atlanta, we know we’re getting a great professional."

Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft will take place on December 21st, 2017.

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