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Players to watch during Chivas USA dispersal draft

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Chivas USA is no more, with the league announcing the club will go into hiatus and reemerge as LA 2 in 2017.


That much is certain. What is unclear is what will happen to the players on Chivas. The league will hold a dispersal draft on November 19th.


It’s not good news for fans salivating over the prospect of acquiring Erick Torres.


The Mexican international will not be available for selection, as the league and Torres’ representatives continue to negotiate a long-term contract.


There will be talent available, however. Here are some names to keep an eye on when the picks are made.

1. GK Dan Kennedy - Age: 32 (USA)


The Fullerton,California native was a very busy man last season. Chivas struggled mightily at the back and if not for Kennedy, a bad season would’ve been that much worse. Kennedy set the record for all time appearances for The Goats.


With Joe Bendik entrenched as the club's number one keeper, TFC doesn’t have a major need in goal. A number of clubs, including both expansion outfits, could use a player of Kennedy’s ability. The Reds could view Kennedy as a trade chip.


2. MF Oswaldo Minda - Age: 31 (Ecuador)

Fresh from an appearance at the 2014 World Cup, Minda served as one of Chivas’ designated players. The 31-year-old could serve as the perfect complement to Michael Bradley in the middle of the park. Minda is out of contract in December.


3. FW Caleb Calvert - Age: 18 (USA)

Calvert became the youngest player in Chivas USA’s history when he signed with the club as a 16-year-old. The homegrown player is a tall one, measuring 6’2 feet and 160 pounds. He, alongside Marco Delgado, is one of the players expected to garner a lot of interest next week.


4. MF Marky Delgado - Age 19 (USA)

This homegrown player is extremely versatile. Delgado can play centrally and on the wing. As The Goat Parade points out, the teenager’s durability is a question. He underwent procedures on his knee for two consecutive seasons. His upside, however, is worth a selection.


5. DF Andrew Jean-Baptiste - Age 22 (USA)

Toronto FC needs depth at the back and Jean-Baptiste presents an intriguing option. He didn’t enjoy a banner 2014 campaign, but some of that can be attributed to battling injury problems. AJB showed off his versatility last year, playing fullback for the first time.


6, DF Jhon Kennedy Hurtado - Age 30 (Colombia)

Hurtado is a another candidate to fill in as a reserve on TFC’s backline.In terms of upside, Jean-Baptiste is probably the player more likely to vie for a place in the starting lineup. You know what you are getting with Hurtado: solid if not spectacular play. TFC’s backline is short on experience. Hurtado could help ease the load on players like Nick Hagglund.


7. DF Bobby Burling - Age 30 (USA)

You can see a trend emerging. Like Hurtado and Jean-Baptiste, Burling had a tough go in 2014. He’s a solid defender, however, and could fill a need at the back. Bradley Orr’s spell with the club is over after his loan deal was completed. TFC needs some bodies at the back. Burling could be that player.