Later tonight, Major League Soccer sickos from around the world will turn on their streaming machines at 10:30 pm ET to watch San Diego FC participate in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft, and pick five players from the dozens left unprotected by clubs across the league.

There are nine New York City FC players among those exposed to the draft, and local fans will hope that none of them catch the eye of Tyler Heaps, the San Diego general manager and sporting director.

In 2014, it was New York City and Orlando City who were doing the picking. Both teams could take up to 10 players each back then (it would drop to five in 2016), and grab multiple players from the same team (now a club is protected after losing one player).

We decided to take a look at the last 10 years of the MLS Expansion Draft, and reexamine choices made by the clubs. Some teams, such as NYCFC in 2014 and LAFC in 2017, made smart decisions that laid the foundation for later success. Others, such as Orlando in 2014 and FC Cincinnati in 2018, couldn't have made worse choices if they tried.

For example, Cincinnati passed on Brandon Vazquez in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft, then acquired him in 2019 by sending $150,000 in TAM to Nashville SC when they selected him in the draft. And no club should be proud of passing on goalkeeper Brad Stuver when he was unprotected in 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Read on for more MLS Expansion Draft fun.

New York City FC’s 2024 MLS Expansion Draft protected list

Mounsef Bakrar, Maxi Moralez Jovan Mijatović, Birk Risa, Strahinja Tanasijević, Thiago Martins are left exposed.

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2014: New York City FC and Orlando City select 10 players each

The 2010 MLS Expansion draft was the last one to allow new teams to select 10 players. It was also the last draft to allow up to two players to be plucked from your squad: Just ask New England Revolution, DC United, and Real Salt Lake all lost two players each.

New York City FC | 2014 MLS Expansion Draft

* Traded

NYCFC did their homework and made good use of the expansion draft. They picked midfielder Tommy McNamara (who became a regular starter in his four seasons with the club), midfielder Mehdi Ballouchy (who joined the coaching staff in 2017), and defender Jason Hernandez (who made 57 appearances over two seasons and is now general manager of Toronto FC).

Midfielder Ned Grabavoy (now general manager of Portland Timbers) made 22 starts in his one season with NYCFC, where he was reunited with Jason Kreis, who was his head coach at Real Salt Lake City from 2009 to 2013 — and who was selected in the 2007 MLS Expansion draft by Toronto FC. Actually, it was the second time Grabavoy was selected in the MLS Expansion Draft: He was picked third by San Jose Earthquakes in 2007 when they rejoined the league. Finally, forward Patrick Mullins scored six goals in his first year with the club. Not bad.

Out of the 10 players selected, seven signed with the club. New York City traded another two: Daniel Loveitz was sent back to Toronto FC for an undisclosed amount of allocation money, and Sal Zizzo was sent to New York Red Bulls for backup goalkeeper Ryan Meara — Zizzo 73 appearances for Red Bulls, while Meara made just one appearance for NYCFC. Only George John, who made 119 appearances with FC Dallas, never came to terms with New York City — he ended his career after being selected.

Orlando City | 2014 MLS Expansion Draft

* Traded

If New York City made canny signings, getting 256 appearances from seven of their draftees — to say nothing of bringing in a foundational midfielder in Tommy Mac and a long-term asset in Ballouchy – Orlando's 10 choices were almost a total wash. Just four of those players saw game time for Orlando, making a total of 55 appearances for the club, and none of them had a significant impact.

Four players were traded: Jalil Anibaba was sent to Sporting Kansas City for defender Aurelien Collin (30 appearances in two years), and Jairo Arrieta was sent to DC United for an international roster spot. Mark Sherrod was sent to San Jose for a second-round pick in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft — they selected Akeil Barrett, who never appeared for the club. Finally, Eric Gehrig was traded to Chicago Fire for a second-round pick in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft which they then traded to Columbus Crew for Adam Bedell, who never appeared for the club.

2016: Atlanta United and Minnesota United select 5 players each, NYCFC leave Frank Lampard exposed

In 2016, the number of picks was reduced from 10 players per club to five players. No New York City players were selected by Atlanta United or Minnesota United in the 2017 MLS Expansion Draft. NYCFC left Premier League legend Frank Lampard exposed, but it was known that the Designated Player was ending his career, and wouldn't be selected. They also exposed Hernandez, who they selected in the 2014 Expansion Draft.

Atlanta made one certifiably brilliant decision: They picked defender Donny Toia, then traded him to Orlando City for a first-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft — which they used to get Miles Robinson.

Atlanta United | 2016 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Other selections didn't pay such rich dividends. Zach Loyd made just one appearance for Atlanta before suffering a season-ending injury, and goalkeeper Clint Irwin was traded back to Toronto FC for defender Mark Bloom, who made just two appearances for United. Defender Mikey Ambrose was a depth piece for Atlanta, making 26 appearances over five years. And goalkeeper Alec Kann was demoted to backup when Atlanta acquired Brad Guzan.

Minnesota's choices were more impactful. They selected defender Chris Duvall, then sent him to Montréal in exchange for forward Johan Venegas, who made 22 appearances before returning to Costa Rica at the end of the season. Midfielder Collen Warner made 42 appearances for Minnesota over two seasons. Mohammed Saeid made three appearances before being packaged in a group trade to Colorado Rapids that brought in defender Marc Burch (21 appearances) and midfielder Sam Cronin (18 appearances).

Minnesota United | 2016 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Minnesota traded goalkeeper Jeff Attinella to Portland Timbers for a second-round pick in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft, which they used to select Xavier Gomez — he never played for the club. Finally, the club traded Femi Hollinger-Janzen back to New England for goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, who went on to make 58 appearances for Minnesota in their first two seasons.

Both Atlanta and Minnesota passed on goalkeeper Brad Stuver (Columbus Crew), and defender Aaron Long (New York Red Bulls), who were left unprotected.

2017: LAFC select 5 players, NYCFC leave Maxime Chanot exposed

New York City dodged a bullet when LAFC decided not to select center-back Maxime Chanot. True, Chanot is now with LAFC, but the defender was a key part of NYCFC's ascendant 2019 season and run to the title in 2021.

Not that LAFC regret their selections: They chose well, picking a starting goalkeeper in Tyler Miller, a star midfielder in Latif Blessing, and two role players in forward Marco Ureña and wingback Raheem Edwards. LAFC selected Jukka Raitala from Columbus Crew and then traded him to Montréal for defender Laurent Ciman, who went on to make 22 starts for his new club in 2018. It's rare for an organization to sign and play 100% of their selections and trades.

LAFC | 2017 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Some significant players left unprotected in 2017 include Brad Stuver (Columbus), see above, and Matt Turner (New England), who was voted 2021 MLS Goalkeeper of the Year and is now the starting No 1 for the United States men's national team.

2018: FC Cincinnati select 5 players, NYCFC leave Yangel Herrera, Sebastien Ibeagha, Tommy McNamara, Brad Stuver, and David Villa exposed

No New York City players were selected by FC Cincinnati in the 2018 MLS Expansion Draft despite leaving 15 players exposed, including midfielder Yangel Herrera, defender Sebastien Ibeagha, midfielder Tommy McNamara, goalkeeper Brad Stuver, and forward David Villa.

Granted, both Herrera and Villa were out of contract, and left the league that offseason. But Ibeagha and McNamara were productive players, and Stuver went on to be one of the better starting goalkeepers in the league for Austin FC.

To be frank, all of Cincinnati's selections that year were suspect.

Forward Darren Mattocks scored three goals for Cincinnati in 2019, then never played again — he went on to face felony charges in 2020 for insurance fraud. They selected striker Kei Kamara, then immediately traded him to Colorado Rapids for an international roster spot – Cincinnati is one of the few MLS clubs that didn't have Kamara in the Starting XI at some point.

FC Cincinnati | 2018 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Midfielder Roland Lamah made 28 appearances in 2019, then never played again. Midfielder Eric Alexander made six appearances, then never played again. Hassan Ndam never appeared for Cincinnati, and eventually made his way back to Red Bulls.

One player Cincinnati didn't select is Brandon Vazquez (Atlanta United) even though he was available. Instead, he was selected the following year by Nashville, and then traded to Cincinnati for $150,000 in TAM (see below).

2019: Inter Miami CF select Ben Sweat

Inter Miami selected New York City defender Ben Sweat in the first round of the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft. He went on to make 22 appearances for his new club.

It was the first time a player from NYCFC was lost to the expansion draft.

Sweat was Miami's best selection. The remaining players they picked combined for just 10 appearances. Goalkeeper Bryan Meredith was sent to Vancouver Whitecaps before the start of the 2020 season — it was the first trade in Miami history – and went on to allow 10 goals in three appearances for his new club.

Inter Miami CF | 2019 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Nashville made smarter picks. They selected Zarek Valentin from Portland Timbers then traded him to Houston for goalkeeper Joe Willis, who has been Nashville's starter from Day One. Forward Abu Danladi scored seven goals in 17 appearances for the club in 2020 before spending much of 2021 sidelined with injuries.

Nashville SC | 2019 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Nashville selected Brandon Vazquez from Atlanta then traded him to FC Cincinnati for $150,000 in TAM. Vazquez went on to score 32 goals for Cincinnati over four seasons.

Some significant players left exposed include defender Rudy Camacho (Montréal), who went on to win the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield with Columbus Crew; defender Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union), a strong and versatile right-back; and defender Alex Roldan (Seattle Sounders), who went on to win the CONCACAF Champions League in 2022.

2020: Austin FC select 5 players

New York City were exempt from the 2020 MLS Expansion Draft after Ben Sweat was selected by Inter Miami in 2019.

Austin FC | 2020 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Austin FC signed their first three selections. Forward Danny Hoesen spent two seasons at Austin before retiring in 2022, and midfielder Jared Stroud also spent two seasons with the club before moving to St. Louis City in 2023.

Goalkeeper Brady Scott never appeared for Austin, and is now a depth piece at LA Galaxy. Joe Corona and the club weren't able to come to terms, and he was later signed by Houston Dynamo in the 2020 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Kamal Miller was traded to Montréal for $225,000 in guaranteed GAM and a first-round pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft.

One significant player left exposed was Rudy Camacho (Montréal), see above.

2021: Charlotte FC select Ismael Tajouri-Shradi

New York City left some significant players unprotected in 2021, including Designated Players Jesús Medina, Alexandru Mitriță, and Maxi Moralez. But these were calculated risks: Mitriță was out on loan and never to return to the club, while the contracts of Medina and Moralez were coming to an end.

Defender Malte Amundsen and forward Ismael Tajouri-Shradi were also left unprotected. Charlotte selected Tajouri-Shradi, who contributed seven goals and one assist in NYCFC's title-winning year, then traded him immediately to LAFC for $400,000 in GAM.

Charlotte FC | 2021 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

Tajouri-Shradi was in the prime of his career, but he never again matched the productivity of his time at New York City. He made only six appearances for LAFC, made his way to Omonia Nicosia in Cyprus, then made 11 appearances for Minnesota United in 2023. The 30-year-old currently plays for Asswehly SC in the Libyan Premier League.

Charlotte sent Tristan Blackmon, their fourth selection, to Vancouver Whitecaps for $475,000 in GAM.

Other significant players left exposed that year include Yuya Kubo (FC Cincinnati), who continues to be a key starter for his club; Diego Rossi (LAFC), who went on to win the 2023 MLS Cup and 2024 Supporters' Shield with Columbus Crew; and Rudy Camacho (see above).

2022: St. Louis City select five players

New York City were exempt from the 2022 MLS Expansion Draft after Ismael Tajouri-Shradi was selected by Charlotte in 2021.

St. Louis City | 2020 MLS Expansion Draft Picks

* Traded

St. Louis signed their first four picks, and all of them saw playing time with the club. But they sent Jake LaCava to Inter Miami for $150,000 in guaranteed GAM. He never made an appearance for Inter Miami.

Some significant players left exposed include Yuya Kubo (Cincinnati), see above; Gustavo Bou (New England), who scored seven goals in 19 appearances the following year; Aaron Long (Red Bulls), who is now a regular starter for LAFC; and Dylan Nealis (Red Bulls), who started in the MLS Cup Final last Saturday.

2024: San Diego FC to select 5 players

Which brings us to this year, and this day. San Diego will make their choices this evening at 10:30 pm ET, and will live-stream the selection process on the club's webpage.

New York City left some enticing players exposed, including strikers Mounsef Bakrar and Jovan Mijatović, and central defenders Birk Risa, Strahinja Tanasijević, and Thiago Martins. But these feel like calculated risks. Bakrar has yet to prove himself, and Mijatović's contract reportedly includes $6.4 million in fees still owed to Red Star Belgrade. One of the few players already signed to San Diego is Paddy McNair, a 29-year-old center-back signed from Middlesbrough FC, and the club could be looking to add players elsewhere on the field.

Players from all 29 current teams are available: Clubs are no longer are exempt if a player was selected in the last draft. That leaves some strong players across the league left exposed this year, including winger Omir Fernández (Colorado Rapids), left-back DeJuan Jones (Columbus Crew), midfielder Julian Gressel (Inter Miami CF), defender Sergii Kryvtsov (Inter Miami CF), and forward Dru Yearwood (Nashville SC).

Two things are for certain. One, Heaps will make his decisions later tonight. Two, we'll be here to analyze his choices at a later date.

2024 Expansion Draft: Who should NYCFC protect?

Here are the 12 players New York City FC should protect – and the 11 players the club should leave exposed – ahead of the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft on December 11.

Hudson River BlueJohn Baney