Former Sporting Kansas City goalkeepers Eric Kronberg and Andy Gruenebaum found new homes in Major League Soccer on Friday via the first stage of the MLS Re-Entry Draft.
The Montreal Impact selected the 31-year-old Kronberg with the first overall pick of the draft, and the San Jose Earthquakes followed by snatching up the 31-year-old veteran Gruenebaum with the second pick overall.
Both players suited up for Kansas City last season – Kronberg started 20 games, Gruenebaum started 11 – before each was let go by the club at the conclusion of the regular season.
The only other player selected in the draft was former Real Salt Lake forward Robbie Findley, who was selected with the sixth overall pick by Toronto FC. Findley, 29, scored one goal in 16 games for RSL this year, his second season since returning from Europe in 2013.
Mauro Rosales and Carlyle Mitchell, who were on the initial list of eligible players, both opted out of the Re-Entry Draft.
The clubs that selected players on Friday will pick up the players’ current options. Players left unselected are now available for the second stage, held on Dec. 18.
According to league rules, teams will have seven days to make a bona fide offer to the players they select in Stage 2 and if an agreement can't be reached, the club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS. Stage 2 will take place on Thursday, December 18.
