Josh Gardner

Photo Credit: 

Skyler Schmitt/TheCrew.com

Major League Soccer today held the 2011 Expansion Draft for the Montreal Impact, which will begin MLS play as a member of the Eastern Conference in 2012. The Impact selected 10 players from among the 272 available, including defender/midfielder Josh Gardner from the Crew.

In his lone season in Columbus, the 29-year-old Gardner scored two goals and added a pair of assists in 22 games (21 starts). He was signed by the Black & Gold on Feb. 21, 2011.

Each current MLS club could protect 11 players from their 2011 roster, and no club could lose more than one player. Ten teams had a player selected from their roster while eight were left untouched.

“While we are disappointed to lose Josh, having a player selected speaks to the quality and depth we have assembled here,” said Crew technical director Brian Bliss. “He’s a good pro and we wish him nothing but the best and continued success in Montreal.”

Below is the complete list of players selected in the 2011 MLS Expansion Draft:

	PLAYER	NOTE
	Jeb Brovksy Pos: D/M | Age: 23 Former club: Vancouver Career: GP 24 | G 0 | A 1	A converted midfielder who showed promise in his rookie year in Vancouver. A good engine and a youthful willingness to get forward from the right outside back position.
	Bobby Burling Pos: D | Age: 27 Former club: San Jose Career: GP 71 | G 1 | A 2	A big presence in the center of the Quakes defense in 2011. He has gotten physically stronger and developed his positional sense in recent years. Was once a teammate of Marsch's at Chivas USA.
	Brian Ching Pos: F | Age: 33 Former club: Houston Career: GP 189 | G 77 | A 28	Winner of three MLS Cup trophies, the Big Kahuna brings experience and a targetman’s nous. Injuries limited him to just 20 games in 2011, but scored 5 goals and was instrumental in Houston’s run to MLS Cup final.
	Josh Gardner Pos: F | Age: 29 Former club: Columbus Career: GP 43 | G 3 | A 5	Honest defender with years of experience in MLS and the lower divisions. Possesses a rocket of a shot when allowed to unleash it on freekicks.
	Justin Mapp Pos: M | Age: 27 Former club: Philadelphia Career: GP 221 | G 18 | A 44	Crafty left-footed 27-year-old with years of pro experience. Has the talent to be a game changer if given the freedom to roam.
	Sanna Nyassi Pos: M/F | Age: 22 Former club: Colorado Career: GP 64 | G 7 | A 8	Speed, speed, and more speed. But the Gambian international has also honed his skills and is now one of the most dangerous wingers in the league.
	James Riley Pos: D | Age: 29 Former club: Seattle Career: GP 178 | G 2 | A 14	Tough, well traveled right back who became a fan favorite in Seattle with his uncompromising play and embracing of the local community. TRADED: To Chivas USA for Justin Braun and Gerson Mayen.
	Seth Sinovic Pos: D | Age: 24 Former club: Sporting KC Career: GP 40 | G 0 | A 0	An afterthought in his rookie season in New England, he moved to KC and became the regular left back. Brings energy and grit.
	Zarek Valentin Pos: D | Age: 20 Former club: Chivas USA Career: GP 25 | G 0 | A 0	Youth, speed, good touch, personality, and international experience -- he has the potential to be the complete package at right back.
	Collen Warner Pos: D | Age: 23 Former club: Real Salt Lake Career: GP 37 | G 0 | A 5	Young, skillful midfielder who saw some real minutes in 2011, deputizing for the injured Javier Morales. Can score or play set-up man.