MLS Colorado Rapids

Rapids Sign Colombian Defender Luis Zapata

Published on February 24, 2012 under Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, February 24, 2012) - The Colorado Rapids announced on Friday that the club has signed defender Luis Eduardo Zapata, a veteran left back from Cali, Colombia, as an International Player. "El Morumbi" has been training with the Rapids throughout preseason, and notched an assist on a corner kick in Thursday night's Hawaiian Island Invitational match. Zapata will be eligible pending receipt of his P-1 work visa and International Transfer Certificate; per league and team policy, details of the contract were not disclosed.

"Luis is a talented and experienced left back, and his presence will strengthen our defense," said Colorado Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. "We've had a chance to see how he fits into the team throughout preseason, and we're excited to officially add him to the club."

Zapata has extensive experience in the Colombian first division, the Liga Postob�n, playing with Bogota club Millonarios from 2001-2008. In 2007, he scored a goal for the team at S=E3o Paulo FC in the Copa Sudamericana to give Millonarios a crucial victory, earning the nickname "El Morumbi" after the stadium where the game was played. He has also played with Deportivo Cali, Deportivo Pereira, and América de Cali in Colombia, and Caracas F.C. in Venezuela. In 2011 he joined Deportivo Pasto in the Colombian second division, helping the team to the title and promotion to the Liga Postob�n.

The Rapids will open the 2012 regular season on March 10 against the Columbus Crew at Dick's Sporting Goods Park, and Season Tickets are now on sale. For more information on the team, or to purchase tickets, please call 303-825-GOAL or visit www.ColoradoRapids.com.

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