NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The roster for Nashville SC took more shape Tuesday night following the 2019 MLS Expansion Draft.
The picks were announced at Ole Red on Broadway in front of a raucous NSC Roadies crowd.
No sport and no fans quite like this, right @NSCRoadies? @NC5 #NashvilleSC pic.twitter.com/nTa9vXIXFY
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) November 19, 2019
Nashville SC selected Abu Danladi from Minnesota United as their first pick. The 24-year-old Ghanian forward scored 11 goals in his first three seasons in MLS.
The team focused on defense and experience with their next two picks, selecting Zarek Valentin from Portland Timbers and Jalil Anibaba from New England.
#Titans running back Derrick Henry announces #NashvilleSC’s second pick, Zarek Valentin, a defender from the Portland Timbers. GM Mike Jacobs says it’s possible this pick could be traded soon tonight. @NC5
— Steve Layman (@SteveLayman) November 19, 2019
Anibaba has played for 5 different MLS teams since his career began in 2011. His most recent stint came with the New England Revolution.
Valentin was traded moments after the draft's conclusion to Houston for goalkeeper Joe Willis. The team also acquired keeper Adrian Zendejas from Sporting Kansas City for cash allocations.
Brandon Vazquez from Atlanta United was the next to come off the board for Nashville SC. The forward has scored 3 goals in his young MLS career. The 21-year-old has made appearances for the United States youth national teams.
Vazquez was traded to FC Cincinnati for cash considerations in 2020 and 2021.
The team also sent allocation money and a 2020 international roster spot to Montreal for defender Daniel Lovitz. Lovitz has made 12 appearances for the US Men's National Team.
Nashville SC's selected Jimmy Medranda with their last expansion draft pick. The Colombian midfielder has spent his entire MLS career with Sporting Kansas City.
Both Nashville and Inter Miami selected players from other MLS teams to help fill out the rosters for their inaugural season.
Nashville SC picked behind Inter Miami following a coin toss in October.
The teams could pick up to 5 players in the expansion draft.
