The Colorado Rapids made a big splash three days ahead of their season opener, acquiring U.S. soccer star Jermaine Jones on Friday from the New England Revolution.
Colorado sent general allocation money and its first-round pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for the midfielder who has made 58 appearances with the U.S. men’s national team.
“Jermaine’s record for club and country speaks for itself,” Paul Bravo, the Rapids’ vice president of soccer operations, said in a news release. “He has the ability, versatility, experience and leadership skills to improve our young side. We are excited tohave him join us in Colorado.”
Jones, who spent the past two seasons with New England, will be suspended for the first six games of the season after making contact with referee Mark Geiger during the Revolution’s playoff loss to D.C. United last season.
Jones joined the MLS in 2014 after 14 seasons in European leagues. He has scored three goals with four assists during his time with the U.S. national team.
His biggest moment with the U.S. national team came against Portugal in the group stage of the 2014 World Cup. Trailing 1-0, Jones curled in an equalizing goal from about 25 yards.
The Denver Post wire services
Rapids sign two draft picks
The Rapids signed two draft picks from their 2016 MLS SuperDraft class, the club announced Friday.
Colorado signed first round pick Emmanuel Appiah and third round selection Chris Froschauer.
Appiah, a 22-year-old from the University of Cincinnati, was selected with the 15th overall pick in the draft.
“Emmanuel has impressed in preseason,” Bravo said in a news release.
Appiah, who was born in Ghana, is a 5-foot-9, 160-pound midfielder.
Froschauer, a 21-year-old goalkeeper, was selected in the third round (No. 43 overall) of the 2016 MLS SuperDraft out of Ohio State University.
“We believe he possesses the characteristics to be successful in this league,” Rapids vice president of soccer operations Paul Bravo said in a news release.
Froschauer was the Big Ten goalkeeper of the year in 2015.
The 6-foot-4, 215-pound ‘keeper saw the second-most minutes in goal this preseason for the Rapids, behind starter Zac MacMath.
Colorado has been linked to goalkeeper Tim Howard in recent months and are on the brink of signing the longtime U.S. national team and Everton FC man, according to an ESPN report. The Rapids and Howard’s agent have declined comment.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or @danielboniface