Revs select Cochrane, Fred in Stage 2 of MLS Re-Entry Draft

Ryan Cochrane, seen here fighting for a header with recently retired Revolution forward Taylor Twellman, won the MLS Cup with Houston in 2006 and 2007, both times against New England. (Photo by Art Donahue/artdonahue.com)

The New England Revolution selected defender Ryan Cochrane and midfielder Fred in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. According to league rules, the Revs will now have seven days to make a genuine offer to the players.

The Revs selected Cochrane with the fourth pick of the first round after Philadelphia opted not to select anyone with the third pick. The 27-year-old Cochrane has been in the league since 2004 and has played for the Houston Dynamo and San Jose Earthquakes. Cochrane has appeared in 121 league games (99 starts) and nine playoff games. Cochrane started at center back in MLS Cup 2006 and 2007 as the Dynamo defeated the Revs each time. The 6’1” Santa Clara University product only made 12 league appearances (5 starts) in an injury plagued 2010 season. He also started three SuperLiga and two U.S. Open Cup games for Houston this year. His contract option was declined by the Dynamo in the offseason, making him eligible for the re-entry draft.

As the only team not to pass in the second round, the Revs selected 31-year-old Brazilian midfielder Fred. Fred, who is capable of playing on the left and right sides of midfield, most recently with the Philadelphia Union, won the Supporters’ Shield in 2007 and the U.S. Open Cup in 2008 with D.C. United. He has 15 goals and 17 assists in 97 MLS appearances, including four goals and an assist in 25 games (24 starts) last season. Prior to joining MLS, Fred won the Australian A-League championship with the Melbourne Victory, while leading the league with nine assists. Fred had previously played for Brazilian clubs Tupi, América and Guarani. Fred was available in the re-entry draft as his contract expired after the 2010 season.

One of four Revs whose options were declined, defender Cory Gibbs, was selected by the Chicago Fire in the first round of the re-entry draft. The Revs are now able to re-negotiate contracts with midfielders Khano Smith and Nico Colaluca, as well as goalkeeper Preston Burpo, who all went unselected over the two stage re-entry draft, should they choose to do so.

2010 MLS Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 Selections:

Round 1

• D.C. United: Josh Wolff
• Chivas USA: Jimmy Conrad
• New England Revolution: Ryan Cochrane
• LA Galaxy: Juan Pablo Ángel
• Chicago Fire: Cory Gibbs
• Sporting Kansas City: Frankie Hejduk
• Seattle Sounders: Chris Seitz
• Columbus Crew: Jeff Cunningham
• LA Galaxy: Luke Sassano
• Colorado Rapids: Tyrone Marshall

Round 2

• New England Revolution: Fred