Possible Galaxy Draft Picks: MLS Announces 2009 Generation adidas Class

MLS today announced this year's Generation adidas class - nine players considered among the most promising in the country - who have already signed contracts with the league.

Last year's class produced six of the first eight selections in the draft, so with the Galaxy picking third (and Chivas USA ninth) in this year's four-round version scheduled for Jan. 15 (live at 11 a.m. on ESPN2), it's highly likely at least one of these players will end up playing his rookie season at Home Depot Center.

Here's the nine:
*Defender Kevin Alston, a U.S. Under-17 international and first team Big 10 selection out of Indiana.

*Midfielder Danny Cruz, 19, the youngest player in the class and a U.S. Under-20 international from UNLV who didn't start playing soccer until high school.

*Goalkeeper Stefan Frei, a Swiss Under-15 international from Cal.

*Defender Omar Gonzalez, a giant U.S. Under-17 international from Maryland, one of three Terrapins in the class and named top defender at the College Cup.

*Midfielder Jeremy Hall, a U.S. Under-17 international who had 14 goals and seven assists for national champions Maryland.

*Midfielder Baggio Husidic, who scored nine goals for the University of Illinois - Chicago.

*Forward Peri Marosevic, a U.S. Under-17 international who scored 13 goals at Michigan last season.

*Midfielder Rodney Wallace, who had 25 starts for Maryland last season.

*Forward Steve Zakuani, whose 20 goals for the University of Akron led the nation. He's a finalist for the Hermann trophy, the award given to the nation's top college player that will be announced Friday.

So who do you like?

The Galaxy don't need another young goalkeeper, so Frei is out.

I saw UCLA's Kyle Nakazawa completely take Gonzalez to the cleaners when he scored at the HDC this fall, so I'm not sure the Galaxy need another big, slow defender nimble attackers can exploit.

Given the Galaxy's problems all over the park perhaps striker Zakuani (if he's still around by the time the Galaxy pick) could solve some issues in front of goal.

But frankly, such is the depth of the Galaxy's problems virtually any help is welcome. And Chivas USA would probably like to sign an uninjured player or two.

MLS also released the initial list of 65 players invited to the combine that starts Friday in Florida.

The list and more details are here.

Who do you think could do a job for the Galaxy or Chivas USA?