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MLS Colorado Rapids

RAPIDS TEAM UP WITH BOULDER PDL CLUB

March 19, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release


DENVER (Tuesday, March 19, 2002) - The Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer, in association with the Premier Development League's Boulder Nova, have announced plans to work together in player development through the newly renamed Boulder Rapids Reserve, which will compete locally and act as a growth program for professional soccer in Colorado.

As a part of the national Under-23 league, the Boulder Rapids Reserve will provide local fans with a chance to witness the growth of the sport of soccer first hand, while also bringing in some of the best collegiate players in the country to Colorado. The Boulder Rapids Reserve roster will boast among its ranks six players from the U.S. Amateur National Team, three members of the U.S. Under-23 National Team pool, the Division II Freshman of the Year, and the Division II Player of the Year.

The Boulder Rapids Reserve evolved from the Boulder Nova, an unaffiliated PDL team that competed in the Rocky Mountain Division in 2001. The team improved upon its inaugural 8-9-1 record in the second year, finishing with an 11-8-0 record, and produced its first-ever professional draftee, Caleb Norkus, who was selected by D.C. United in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft. "We are very excited about the partnership with the Colorado Rapids. This opportunity will allow local youth players to train with and see future MLS stars," says Hansen Rada, co-owner of the PDL team.

The PDL operates as a member of United Soccer Leagues. The Premier Development League is the highest-level national amateur league in the United States and offers players a chance to compete in a national league while maintaining their collegiate eligibility. The 2002 season will be the league's third as an Under-23 league.

"Relationships like these are vital to the continued growth of soccer in America," said Colorado Rapids General Manager Dan Counce. "We are lucky to have such a committed group of individuals in Boulder that share our vision about the development of the sport. The combined benefits of an agreement on this level are enormous."

The Colorado-Boulder relationship is only the second of its kind between an MLS team and a PDL franchise, following in the footsteps of the Chicago Fire Reserves formation in 2001.

"We are pleased to see more relationships of this nature," said USL President Francisco Marcos. "It is very important to have the nation's top professional clubs such as Colorado actively involved with the development of future professional players. Although the Rapids will not have rights to or the ability to call-up the PDL players, they will be helping the longevity of the sport through their support."

The team will play its home games at Pleasant View Stadium on Diagonal Highway in Boulder. The Boulder Rapids Reserve will play an 18 game schedule in the Heartland Division, starting with its first game on May 4th in Des Moines, Iowa.

Peter Ambrose will take over as Director of Coaching with the PDL team, while Mike Seabolt, an assistant last season who also serves as a volunteer assistant coach with the MLS team, will lead the Boulder Rapids Reserve as head coach. The team will hold an open tryout for players on Saturday, March 23. Players interested in attending are asked to call 303-413-9126 for more details.

Check out the Colorado Rapids Statistics



Major League Soccer Stories from March 19, 2002


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