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Rapids Purchase Contract of Defender Klute

July 11, 2013 - North American Soccer League (NASL)
Atlanta Silverbacks News Release


Atlanta, Ga. - When the Atlanta Silverbacks loaned defender Chris Klute to the Colorado Rapids last September, the club knew what type of player the Major League Soccer side was getting. Now, after starting 16 consecutive matches and piling up a team-high five assists this season, Klute will be staying in Colorado for good. The Rapids purchased the contract of the 23-year-old left back on Thursday, and per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"The success Chris has been able to achieve during his time in Colorado doesn't surprise me one bit," Wynalda said. "He's extremely talented and has an enormous future, and I think we should all get used to hearing the name Chris Klute. This is only the beginning for him."

"I am very happy to be a member of the Rapids," said Klute. "I would like to thank everyone in Atlanta for their help in getting me started as a professional, and the faith that the coaching staff here at the Rapids has shown in me this season. I'm looking forward to the future here in Colorado."

Klute originally joined the Rapids on September 14, 2012 on a one-year loan from the Silverbacks, making his MLS debut in Colorado's final regular season game of 2012, playing 90 minutes in a 2-0 win over the Houston Dynamo. This season, Klute came on as first half substitute in the March 23 match against LA Galaxy due to an injury to Diego Calderón, and has started every match since. In his 17 matches (16 starts), Klute has notched five assists, one ahead of rookie Deshorn Brown for the team lead.

"Chris has been a great addition to our squad, both in terms of his play on the field and attitude in the locker room," said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. "His development is a testament to his hard work and the effort of our coaching staff, and we're eager to see his continued improvement this season and beyond."

A native of Grand Prairie, Texas, Klute played 12 matches with the Silverbacks in 2012 before joining Colorado. He played college soccer at Furman University and Clayton State University, and was a member of the Dallas Texans youth soccer club. Klute also made seven appearances for the United States Under-17 National Team, including one at the 2007 FIFA U-17 World Cup in South Korea.

Since the Silverbacks joined the NASL in 2011, the club has seen three of its players graduate to the MLS ranks: Tyler Ruthven (New York Red Bulls), Chris Klute (Colorado Rapids), and Matt Horth (New England Revolution).

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