Rapids Finish(?) Their International Signings

Today Colorado made the last of their rumored signings official, announcing the signing of Australian left-back Alex Gersbach from French Ligue 2 side Grenoble.  The 25 year old signed a 3-year deal with a club option for a 4th year.  He immediately becomes the expected starter at left back.  The team is hopeful that they can get his paperwork processed in time for Gersbach to join them in Orlando for the second half of preseason.

With this signing every significant signing rumor has been wrapped up.  That doesn't rule out a new rumor of close, but with the transfer window for most major European leagues closing in less than 24 hours it certainly makes it harder.  Teams generally don't want to sell vital parts if they can't replace them.  Of course, trades within MLS are still available until the MLS window closes in May.  For now though our big signings from outside the U.S. soccer sphere are likely to be Gersbach, Ronan, and Maxsø.

Also on Sunday the Rapids played their last preseason friendly in Mexico, against Liga MX side Queretaro.  After 90 minutes the Rapids were up 1-0 on Yapi's third goal of the preseason.  After the "end" of the game the teams agreed to scrimmage for 30 more minutes.  Colorado sent out a XI made up of reserves, Rapids 2 players, and Academy players, and promptly gave up 3 goals "losing" 3-1.  The Rapids won the main part of the game though which has to be considered a success.  The lineup for the match was:

Yarbrough

Anderson - Abubakar - Wilson - Beitashour

Price

Max - Bassett

Nicholson - Rubio - Barrios

and then after half they subbed to:

Rodriguez

Garcia - Edwards - Bombito - Markanich

Priso

Galvan - Acosta

Vargas - Yapi - Harris

The Rapids now come back to Commerce City for a few days before heading out to Orlando for the rest of preseason.  They'll fly from central Florida to Seattle for the opener in just under 4 weeks.