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Colorado Rapids

Rapids Make Five Picks in 2007 MLS SuperDraft

January 12, 2007 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


Denver, Colorado (Friday, January 12, 2007) - The Colorado Rapids added six new names to the team's roster during the 2007 MLS SuperDraft including midfielder Nico Colaluca with the sixth overall selection.

Before the draft Colorado traded the 18th overall pick to FC Dallas in exchange for veteran defender Greg Vanney. The Rapids will also received Dallas' third round pick in next year's draft in return for Colorado's second round pick in the same draft.

Colaluca, a Generation adidas player from the University of Virginia, was selected to the All-ACC first team this season. He has also played with the United States National teams at the Under-14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 20 National Teams.

"He is one of the players (in the draft) who is able to step on the field and play right away," said Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. "His versatility will allow him to play in different positions in our midfield."

In the second round, with the team's second pick (17th overall) the Rapids selected midfielder Greg Dalby out of Notre Dame. Dalby, who was the captain for the U.S. Under-20 National Team at the World Championships in 2005, earned first team All-American honors in 2005 and 2006.

"He was one of the best player at the (MLS) Combine," Clavijo said. "He brings strength, discipline and knowledge to the game."

The Rapids made three picks in the third round, forward Omar Cummings, midfielder Nic LaBrocca and goalkeeper Justin Hughes were selected with the 31st, 35th and 36th overall selections, respectively.

Cummings, from Cincinnati, was last season's Big East Offensive Player-of-the-Year.

A Rutgers product, LaBrocca, has twice been named second team All-Northeast Region.

Hughes allowed just 16 goals in the 18 games he played his senior season at North Carolina.

All SuperDraft selections are expected to report to Colorado on Feb. 3 for preseason training. The Rapids open their season on April 7 when they take on D.C. United at Dick's Sporting Goods Park in a 1:30 p.m. (MT) kickoff. Season tickets are available by calling the Rapids at (303) 825-GOAL or online at www.coloradorapids.com.

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