It’s 2016 Expansion Draft day and NYCFC’s first time on the other side of the fence.
Two years ago, it was us making our picks for our inaugural season and this time it’s Atlanta and Minnesota bulking up their rosters for their MLS bows.
To mark the day, let’s take a look at who we picked up in 2014 and where they are now…
(You can watch today's Expansion Draft LIVE at 2 PM ET here.)
No.1: Ned Grabavoy
NYCFC went second in the draft after Orlando City and picked up Real Salt Lake’s Ned Grabavoy who represented us 25 times before joining Portland Timbers as a free agent in January. Grabavoy announced his retirement recently following 22 appearances for Portland in his final season.
No.2: Patrick Mullins
24-year old striker Patrick Mullins enjoyed a great season for DC United in 2016, netting eight times in 14 games. Mullins represented NYCFC 31 times and scored six goals before switching to DC for GAM, TAM and an International Roster Spot in July 2016.
No.3: Jason Hernandez
Defender Jason Hernandez described representing NYCFC at Yankee Stadium as a dream come true when his two-year association with the club to an end a fortnight ago. Hernandez is a free agent in this offseason hoping to find another MLS club.
No.4: Daniel Lovitz
Lovitz was only technically an NYCFC player for a matter of hours as he was traded to Toronto FC in exchange for allocation money. He’s made 41 appearances for this year’s Eastern Conference champions since.
No.5: Tony Taylor
Another one of the original squad to have departed in this offseason, Tony made 16 appearances for NYCFC, scoring two goals. He made his international debut for Panama in The Hex last month.
No.6: Mehdi Ballouchy
Moroccan midfield Mehdi Ballouchy brought the curtain down on his long, storied MLS career this offseason, announcing his retirement following two years at NYCFC.
No.7: George John
Former West Ham defender George John was last seen in MLS representing FC Dallas. He never made an appearance for NYCFC after suffering a long-term injury.
No.8: Tommy McNamara
One of the big success stories from NYCFC’s 2014 Expansion Draft, McNamara has gone on to become a key member of the squad, helping his team to the MLS Playoffs for the first time in 2016. Tommy has scored ten goals for NYCFC in 49 appearances.
No.9: Sal Zizzo
Another who never played a game for NYCFC, Zizzo joined Red Bulls on the day after the Expansion Draft and has gone on to play for them 50 times.
No.10: Chris Wingert
Native New Yorker Chris WIngert racked up 25 games for NYCFC in 2015 before signing for Real Salt Lake in February where he is in his second spell.
