MLS Colorado Rapids

Colorado Rapids Acquire Midfielder Jasper Löffelsend from Real Salt Lake

Published on January 10, 2024 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. -The Colorado Rapids announced today the acquisition of midfielder Jasper Löffelsend from Real Salt Lake in exchange for Colorado's natural second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick and a 2024 International Roster Slot. Real Salt Lake could also acquire up to $100,000 in conditional General Allocation Money (GAM) if Löffelsend reaches performance thresholds during his time with Colorado. Löffelsend is currently in Germany finalizing his Green Card process.

"We're thrilled to welcome Jasper as the latest addition to the roster," said Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor. "His athleticism and ability to cover extensive ground are notable assets. His versatility not only enhances our depth but also intensifies the competition within the team. We eagerly anticipate his integration into the group."

Löffelsend, 26, joins the Rapids following two seasons with Real Salt Lake after being drafted by them in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. Löffelsend initially signed a deal with the Real Monarchs, RSL's MLS Next Pro side, on Feb. 22, 2022. Just five days later, he signed with the first team, making his league debut on Feb. 27, 2022. He concluded his rookie campaign with five assists, complimented by his first career goal on July 30, 2022 against San Jose. Throughout his tenure at RSL, he delivered seven assists and scored a pair of goals in 51 regular-season appearances and showcased versatility by playing several positions for the Claret and Cobalt, including outside back and defensive midfielder.

"We are incredibly happy to welcome Jasper to the club. His positional versatility makes him a great fit for our system. With valuable experience in the league, he brings not only skill but also a relentless work ethic, adding both depth and heightened competition to our group," said Rapids Head Coach, Chris Armas.

Prior to joining RSL, the Köln, Germany, native attended the University of Pittsburgh, where he amassed two goals and 18 assists in 36 appearances. During his junior and senior years, he earned recognition as the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, in addition to being a two-time MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist and a two-time member of the All-ACC First Team.

Additionally, between 2016 and 2020, Löffelsend had spells with TV Herkenrath 09 (Germany), SV Straelen (Germany), Bonner SC (Germany), FC Hennef 05 (Germany), and FC Wegberg-Beeck (Germany), competing in both the Regionalliga West and Mittelrheinliga. In total, he registered 65 appearances across all competitions in Germany.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids acquire midfielder Jasper Löffelsend from Real Salt Lake in exchange for Colorado's natural second-round pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick and a 2024 International Roster Slot. Real Salt Lake could also acquire up to $100,000 in conditional General Allocation Money (GAM) if Löffelsend reaches multiple performance thresholds during his time with Colorado.

Jasper Löffelsend

Pronunciation: Yas-per Le-Fell-send

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5-8

Weight: 146

Birthdate: Sept.10, 1997

Birthplace: Köln, Germany

Nationality: Germany

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