/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44183192/usa-today-7879494.0.jpg)
With the 2014 Dispersal Draft of former Chivas USA players less than 24 hours away, Real Salt Lake has a decision what and if they should pick up any of their sister 2005 expansion club's assets. Earning the tenth spot last week in what can only be described as a strange bingo-style envelope draw, RSL will only have a choice between the final Chivas roster as the draft picks will be erased - unlike dispersal drafts of the past.
One lingering question in this draft that will be of particular interest to the Claret-and-Cobalt: What will happen to the extra permanent international roster slot acquired by Chivas USA from Real Salt Lake in November 2004? According to RSL communications, the verdict is still out on what happens to that slot after Chivas USA's dispersal.
Either way, the draft takes place today. Players selected will be counted against their new club's salary cap at their full 2015 budget, as decided by their options. They will also be available for selection by New York City FC or Orlando City SC if they are left unprotected in the upcoming expansion draft.
With that in mind, Real Salt Lake has a chance to scoop up a possible diamond in the young Homegrown player Marco Delgado.
Delgado is one of two Homegrown signing on the final Chivas USA's roster. This 19 year-old native of Glendora, California, has acquired a ton of experience over his three year stint with the Goats. Even more impressive is his range of skills that have allowed him to play both fullback positions and nearly everywhere in his natural midfield position. Registering 1121 minutes in 20 matches this year alone, the youngster has already recorded two goals and an assist for a struggling side — imagine if he was on a team that could create better chances for him.
Delgado might not be first-team quality yet, but he would make an excellent member of the Real Monarchs that are scheduled to begin operations in 2015. Delgado would make an excellent wide midfielder in a diamond formation, being able to stretch the opponent's midfield and defense while also falling back to defend - much like Ned Grabavoy. Measuring in at 5-foot-9 and 146 lbs., Delgado could benefit from bulking off in the offseason but has still managed to excel against much bigger and older opponents.
Furthermore, Delgado is also a potential member of the US Men's National Team, having been capped for several youth national teams previously. At the age of 13, Delgado participated in the U-15 tournament in Argentina as part of the US team. He then when on to complete in the Mondial Minimes tournament in France as part of the U-17 team where me played every minute of all four games against France, Japan, Portugal, and Uruguay. As a member of the US U-20s, Delgado served as team captain for two international friendlies held in Verona, Italy. Having up and coming US talent enter the RSL pipeline is also never a bad thing.
Through demonstrating his versatility in plenty of first team minutes with Chivas, Marco Delgado has already shown his potential. With solid training in the RSL system, he could be a great asset. With RSL veterans like Ned Grabavoy and Chris Wingert getting up there in age, could Delgado be one to step up in the future?
Marco Delgado is likely to be selected tomorrow, but by who is still a mystery. His natural skill and talent would benefit a wide variety of teams including D.C. United, who pick before RSL. No matter the outcome, it will be interesting to see how this young US international will develop in 2015 and beyond.
Do you think Marco Delgado would be a good pick up for Real Salt Lake? If so, where do you think he would fit in? The first team? With Real Monarchs? What do you think? Share your opinions in the comments section below.