Following last week’s departure of Hendry Thomas for FC Dallas, the Rapids continued to shape their roster with various moves earlier this week.
Here’s a look at the movements that have occurred with the Rapids’ roster this week.
Kindle retires: 22-year-old defender Kory Kindle will be retiring from professional soccer to pursue a doctorate program in physical therapy, the club announced Tuesday.
“I will be forever grateful that I got the chance to be a part of the Colorado Rapids, in a locker room surrounded by amazing talent,” said Kindle. “This was not an easy decision to make, but after countless hours talking to my mom and friends about the decision, I made up my mind to leave MLS. I have always had dreams about becoming a physical therapist, and will now pursue that opportunity. “
A second-round selection in last season’s MLS SuperDraft, Kindle appeared in seven reserve matches with the club in 2013 before succumbing to an ankle injury and a hernia. Kindle was re-signed to the club’s roster earlier in the year with Jamaican defender Brenton Griffiths, who is currently spending time away from the team with family in Jamaica.
Berner signs: Following the departure of Kindle, 2014 draft pick John Berner was officially signed to the Rapids’ roster.
The rookie goalkeeper has spent plenty of time in net during the preseason while competing with Joe Nasco to backup starting goalkeeper Clint Irwin. Nasco, who had been absent over the weekend due to family reasons, will be rejoining the Rapids in Tucson.
“John is a talented young goalkeeper with a great deal of potential,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We were thrilled to be able to pick up a goalkeeper of his quality in the SuperDraft, and since then he has impressed our staff with both his skill and willingness to learn. He has played well in our recent practices and matches, and we’re happy to officially add him to our squad. “
Ibikunle released: The Rapids released third-round draft pick Tolani Ibikunle on Tuesday, making draft pick Albert Edward, Arsenal trialist Samuel Galindo, trialist Juan Guzman and Spanish midfielder José Mari (who the club is reportedly in negotiations with) the four non-roster invitees remaining in the preseason.
The Rapids will participate in their first match of the Desert Diamond Cup this afternoon against the Chicago Fire (3:30 pm). The live stream can be viewed here.
Marco Cummings is a staff writer for Mile High Sports. He can be reached via email at marco@milehighsports.com or on Twitter @ Marco_Cummings
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