The MLS route ahead for the expansion Vancouver Whitecaps and Portland Timbers got a little clearer Monday as the two teams sorted out the pecking order in a variety of ways to fill their roster.
The Whitecaps kicked off the process by opting to pick first in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft, slated for Jan. 13 in Baltimore.
The Whitecaps had first choice on what option to take after winning a coin toss over the Timbers at halftime of the MLS all-star game last month.
After Vancouver's decision to go first in the SuperDraft, Portland elected for the first pick in the MLS expansion draft.
Vancouver then selected top pick in the allocation rankings, a player acquisition method where an MLS club has first option to sign any former MLS player who was transferred to another league or a U.S. international who is returning to the league. Portland will go second.
Portland gets top spot ahead of Vancouver in the designated player ranking, meaning the Timbers will outrank the Whitecaps if they go after the same designated player.
Vancouver gets first crack at negotiating with USSF D-2 players. Portland will occupy second spot
Portland will stand 17th in the discovery rankings, one place ahead of Vancouver. Discovery rankings allow teams to sign players from a different league, or players who are without a contract and were not included in the MLS SuperDraft process. Current MLS franchises have priority over the expansion sides.
Vancouver gets the 17th spot in the waiver/re-entry ranking while Portland is 18th. These rankings allow teams to pick up players who have been placed on waivers by other MLS clubs.
Portland occupies 17th spot in the lottery ranking, ahead of Vancouver in 18th. The lottery rankings rankings are a weighted draft for so-called 'Generation Adidas' star prospects who sign with the league.
