The protection lists for the Columbus Crew - a likely new rival of the Montreal Impact - are out with only one major surprise. Nigerian international midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo was not protected by the Crew, many believe he is set to go overseas after this year anyways but it could be a guy that Montreal takes a risk on picking.
2011 MLS Expansion Draft: Columbus Crew Protection List
Of the surprised - if you want to call them that - would be seeing guys like Designated Player Andres Mendoza unprotected by the Crew. Also, striker Tommy Heinemann was left exposed, someone the Crew used frequently all season long.
Other than that the Crew had a lot of players that weren’t totally vital going forward that had to be protected. A lot of higher contracts that you’d expect to be exposed going against some younger guys that are cheap.
Protected: Will Hesmer, Robbie Rogers, Tony Tchani, Bernando Anor, Dilly Duka, Eddie Gavin, Julius James, Chad Marshall, Sebastien Miranda, and Emilio Renteria.
Home Grown/Generation adidas: Aaron Horton
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