Moreno, Thomas selected for new MLS club

Venezuelan forward Alejandro Moreno and Jamaican defender Shavar Thomas were among 10 players selected on Wednesday by the new Philadelphia Union in the Major League Soccer expansion draft.

The internationals were among 10 players taken by the US league’s 16th club, which will begin play in 2010 under coach Peter Nowak, a former national team player for Poland.

Moreno, an eight-year MLS veteran claimed from the Columbus Crew, has scored 43 MLS goals. Thomas, a center back, was part of a Chivas USA defense that allowed only 31 goals in 30 matches this season.

MLS clubs were allowed to protect 11 players but all others were available for selection by the new club.

The US league’s growth continued in 2009 with the debut of the Seattle Sounders. Expansion teams in Vancouver and Portland will debut in 2011.

Frenchman Sebastien Le Toux, the leading scorer for Seattle, also was claimed by the Union, the only forward other than Moreno selected.

Other international players moving to Philadelphia include Costa Rican defender Dave Myrie of Chicago and Brazilian midfielder Stefani Miglioranzi of the Los Angeles Galaxy.