Riley Chosen in Expansion Draft

San Jose Plucks Versatile Defender/Midfielder from the Revs

November 21, 2007

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. – Revolution defender James Riley was chosen by the San Jose Earthquakes with one of its 10 selections in Wednesday’s expansion draft.

San Jose didn’t bite on Andy Dorman or Avery John, instead opting for Riley, who completed his third season with New England. Riley, 25, was originally drafted by the Revs in the second round (21st overall) of the 2005 MLS SuperDraft out of Wake Forest, and made 70 appearances with 54 starts for the Revolution. He scored one goal and added three assists in regular-season action, all coming in his rookie season.

Defender/midfielder James Riley was selected by San Jose in Wednesday's expansion draft. (Photo credit: Chris Aduama/Aduama.com)

In his career in New England, the versatile Riley saw time at many positions, including left back, center back, right back, left midfield and right midfield.

The Earthquakes also selected Ryan Cochrane of the MLS Champion Houston Dynamo and Gavin Glinton of the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Each of the 13 current MLS clubs was allowed to protect 11 players, including developmental rosters. San Jose was allowed to pick 10 players from the reaming pool, no more than one from any club. The Colorado Rapids, Kansas City Wizards and Real Salt Lake were the three teams that did not have a player selected in the draft.

The Entire 2007 MLS Expansion Draft:
1. Ryan Cochrane (Houston Dynamo)
2. Clarence Goodson (FC Dallas)
3. Ned Grabavoy (Columbus Crew)
4. James Riley (New England Revolution
) 5. Joseph Vide (New York Red Bulls)
6. Ivan Guerrero (Chicago Fire)
7. Brian Carroll (D.C. United)
8. Jason Hernandez (Chivas USA)
9. Gavin Glinton (LA Galaxy)
10. Chris Pozniak (Toronto FC)

The San Jose Earthquakes, Major League Soccer’s 14th team, will begin play in the Western Conference in the 2008 season at Buck Shaw Stadium on the campus of Santa Clara University.