Rapids Add Veteran 'Keeper Burpo In Trade With 'Quakes
POSTED: 7:11 pm EDT May 21,
2008
Commerce City, CO -- (Sports Network) - The Colorado Rapids acquired veteran goalkeeper Preston Burpo and a 2009 fourth round pick in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft from the San Jose Earthquakes in exchange for Jovan Kirovski and Kelly Gray, the teams announced on Wednesday."With the expected absence of Bouna Coundoul and unexpected duration of the injury to Justin Hughes, we needed to address our goalkeeping situation," Rapids coach Fernando Clavijo said. "Preston is an experienced 'keeper in MLS and will help solidify that position for us." "We have added two proven MLS players at key positions," Earthquakes General Manager of Soccer Operations John Doyle said. "Kelly had a great season here in 2005 and he will provide a good option both in the back and midfield. Jovan has had a distinguished career around the world and we feel that he will make an immediate offensive impact for our team." Burpo has a career goals-against average of 1.18 in 22 games, all with Chivas USA in '06 and '07. The Maryland native was traded from Chivas to San Jose in the offseason, but has been limited to reserve division action this year behind Joe Cannon. Kirovski joined the Rapids in '05 in a late season trade with the Los Angeles Galaxy and had scored 12 goals in 61 games. Gray returns to the Earthquakes after playing 20 games for them in '05.
Copyright 2008 Courtesy of The Sports Network.







