Sounders FC prepares for MLS Superdraft

Sounders FC coaches and front-office staff left Florida for Philadelphia on Wednesday, where they will oversee the team's selections in Thursday's Major League Soccer Superdraft.

It's business as usual for the club, even though the threat of a work stoppage in MLS looms over the league and its players. If an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached by the end of the day on Jan. 31, players could be locked out of training camps that begin later this month.

The subject is practically off-limits to most of those involved. Bob Foose, who represents the MLS players union in the CBA talks, declined to comment Wednesday, and Sounders FC personnel executives are subject to discipline from the league if they comment on the process.

The CBA talks aren't delaying the process of putting together the Sounders roster for 2010, technical director Chris Henderson said.

"We spent a lot of time scouting throughout the year and we were continuing to look [for players] throughout the year," Henderson said. "We have a good core of players."

That core should remain intact for the coming season, aside from the departure of midfielder/forward Sebastien Le Toux in the expansion draft. Defender Evan Brown, who wasn't in the regular-season playing rotation, is not expected to return with the hope that he can get more experience in a lower division of American soccer. The team has three draft choices Thursday, including the 11th overall pick.

Henderson would not discuss which prospects the team has an interest in selecting but said the team would like depth at attacking midfielder. A trade involving picks and players on other teams can't be ruled out, as Seattle was in that mix of talk leading up to last year's draft, when it had the first overall pick.

Developmental players Michael Fucito and Lamar Neagle were waived, along with Brown after last season, but both are expected in training camp starting Jan. 25 to compete for a roster spot. So is speedy midfielder Sanna Nyassi. Henderson also indicated that there is activity within the organization in terms of conversations about free-agent signings and/or transfers.

"We're very active with that and discussing with agents," Henderson said. "We never stop looking for players. It's just a matter of timing and the salary cap."

For now, Sounders FC also expects its leading scorer from 2009, Fredy Montero, to return despite rumors of a loan to a club in Europe.

José Miguel Romero: 206-464-2409 or jromero@seattletimes.com