Rapids Select Eric Avila in MLS Re-Entry Draft

Published on December 14, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, December 14, 2012) - The Colorado Rapids selected Eric Avila, a 25-year-old midfielder who has spent the past two seasons with Toronto FC, with the sixth pick in today's MLS Re-Entry Draft. The Rapids now have Avila's rights and may negotiate a new contract with the player.

Also in today's Re-Entry Draft, Colorado Rapids players Conor Casey and Hunter Freeman were selected, with Casey picked by the Philadelphia Union and Freeman drafted by the New England Revolution.

Avila has played five seasons in MLS, first joining the league in 2008 with FC Dallas after being selected 19th overall in the 2008 MLS SuperDraft. He was traded halfway through the 2011 season to Toronto FC, and in 2012 he set career highs in games played (24), starts (16) and assists (3).

"Eric is a talented player and we're eager to begin negotiating on a contract to bring him into the team," said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo.

The Rapids had announced on November 16 that Casey would be departing the club, and the forward will now have the opportunity to negotiate with the Philadelphia Union for a new contract. Freeman, 27, was picked by New England, having played with the Rapids in 2012 for his second stint with the team after suiting up for Colorado in 2005-2006. He has played with three other MLS clubs, and was also a member of IK Start in Norway. He played 19 games in 2012, with five assists.

"Hunter was an important part of our team in 2012, and while we're going in a different direction, we appreciate what he added to our group," said Bravo. "We hope he will do well with New England in 2013 and beyond."

The Rapids will start preseason in January, and are set to participate in the Desert Friendlies presented by Tucson FC and the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge against Chivas USA as part of their preparations. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids' 2013 campaign, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.

Major League Soccer Stories from December 14, 2012

• Flurry of Activity for the Galaxy on Re-Entry Draft Day - LA Galaxy
• Experience Draws Revs to Barrett, Freeman - New England Revolution
• Galaxy Select Two in Stage 2 of Re-Entry Process - LA Galaxy
• FC Dallas Selects Stephen Keel in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft - FC Dallas
• Toronto FC Select Defender Danny Califf in Stage Two of MLS Re-Entry Process - Toronto FC
• Edson Buddle Traded to Colorado Rapids - LA Galaxy
• Revolution picks two in Stage 2 of Re-Entry Process - New England Revolution
• 14 Players Selected in Re-Entry Process Stage Two Draft - MLS
• Rapids Acquire Forward Edson Buddle in Trade with Galaxy - Colorado Rapids
• San Jose Earthquakes Select Three in Stage 2 of MLS Re-Entry Draft - San Jose Earthquakes
• Vanouver Whitecaps FC Select Paulo Junior in MLS Re-Entry Draft - Vancouver Whitecaps FC
• Real Salt Lake Selects DF/MF Lovel Palmer in Re-Entry Draft Stage 2 - Real Salt Lake
• D.C. United Selects Midfielder John Thorrington in Stage 2 of the MLS Re-Entry Draft - D.C. United
• Toronto FC Re-Sign Hall and Wiedeman - Toronto FC
• Rapids Select Eric Avila in MLS Re-Entry Draft - Colorado Rapids
• LA Galaxy Improve Position in Stage 2 of Friday's MLS Re-Entry Process - LA Galaxy
• Chivas USA and LA Galaxy Trade 2012 Stage Two Re-Entry Process Positions - Club Deportivo Chivas USA
• Dynamo Announce 2013 Preseason Schedule - Houston Dynamo FC
• Sounders FC Re-Signs Defenders Hurtado and Ianni - Seattle Sounders FC
• Sounders FC Announce Results of Landmark General Manager Vote - Seattle Sounders FC

The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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