2010 MLS Draft: Top 3 Moments

Much like every other Friday, I find myself struggling to do anything productive. So, instead of sitting here for far too long trying to come up with a post with any semblance of flow, I'm just going to give it to you plain and simple.

Yesterday was the first MLS draft I have ever attended in person, and I came away with plenty of good memories. Here are my top 3 from an eventful day:

3) Zach Schilawski, a forward out of Wake Forest and the 9th overall selection, thanked the Columbus Crew for drafting him. Not too uncommon, a player thanking a team for believing in him and giving him an opportunity, all pretty standard. There was only one problem: New England was the team that took him. Zach corrected himself quickly, but not before the whole room let out a chorus of "oooooo"s that sounded like something out of an elementary school playground. God bless him, that rookie hazing might go to a whole 'nother level thanks to that blunder. Let's just hope he doesn't miss a couple of sitters in a crucial match against Columbus, or the conspiracy theories might begin to swirl.

2) New York fans were doing their fair share of singing and chanting throughout the draft proceedings, which often led to responses from DC or Philly fans. When the NY fans began chanting "Richie Williams" (RBNY's assistant coach), DC fans countered with "DC reject" (Williams interviewed with DC this offseason, but was not offered the vacant head coaching position). The back and forth itself was nothing too noteworthy, but it was the reaction of one Bruce Arena that made me smile. Amid all the serious faces at the various draft tables, there was Bruce trying to hide the fact that he was laughing at the "DC reject" chant. Nice try, Bruce, but I caught you.

1) By far, the best moment of the day was also the most awkward for me. As I'm sitting in my chair waiting for the next pick, I turn around to scan the room as nothing more than a way to fight off the boredom that was creeping in with every 5 minute timeout that was taken. And who do I see sitting directly behind me? None other than USSF president Sunil Gulati. Needless to say, an almost involuntary and utterly indiscreet double take ensued, as I snuck a glance at the man whose job I'd love to have. I turned back around and started grinding through ridiculous plans to start up a conversation or secretly snap a picture, but erred on the side of caution and decided to do neither. In hindsight, I'm sure Sunil wouldn't have minded a little chat, he looked kind of bored. Oh well, maybe next time.


There were plenty of other quality moments, such as seeing 76ers center Sam Dalembert mingle with the Union fans and tower over Allen Hopkins, or getting up close and personal with the Alan I. Rothenberg Trophy. I also got the chance to meet some of the guys behind the blogs I peruse most often, which was a very pleasant experience as well. Overall, it was a great way to spend a Thursday afternoon, and I look forward to traveling Baltimore next January to take it all in once again.