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In a press conference held by the Colorado Rapids on Wednesday, general manager and executive vice president of the club Pádraig Smith revealed that Kellyn Acosta, Keegan Rosenberry and Diego Rubio had penned paper on a new three-year deal, with Acosta’s contract possessing a club option in 2022 and 2023.
Smith spoke of his delight to open proceedings, “We targeted these players over the past 12 months and in Kellyn, Keegan and Diego we have players who have a demonstrated track record of production in MLS and who fit our style of play perfectly. As they enter their prime we believe they will be key contributors for us in the coming years. These deals demonstrate our club’s commitment to investing in talented young players and building a strong core and highlight the confidence that these players have in our future.”
All three players are in their mid-20’s, the primes of their careers
Kellyn Acosta
The pick of the bunch was the signing of Kellyn Acosta who arrived in Denver midway through the 2018 MLS season. He generated lots of interest this offseason, including some from abroad.
Acosta rose through the ranks as a prestigious member of FC Dallas’ IMG Academy, and eventually gained an opportunity with the first team in 2013. He made 117 appearances in league competition, scoring 10 times and assisting 11.
After arriving in Colorado, he notched three assists and two goals through 12 games, immediately cementing himself as one of the premier players on the roster.
This will be something Acosta looks to emulate in the 2019 campaign, as the extension adds creativity and goal-scoring prowess to a team whose stock is already beginning to trend upwards.
Keegan Rosenberry
Rosenberry is a product of grassroots soccer, having been selected third overall in the 2016 MLS SuperDraft by the Philadelphia Union. In his first year, he featured in every single game for the club and scored twice.
For his efforts, he was subsequently named to the 2016 MLS All-Star Team, whilst also finishing second in the 2016 MLS Rookie of the Year Award voting. Rosenberry continued his fine form in the following two seasons, making 47 appearances in the league, despite an injury setting him back.
On 19th December 2018, Rosenberry was traded to Colorado Rapids in exchange for $150,000 General Allocation in 2019, $50,000 Targeted Allocation in 2019 and $100,000 General Allocation in 2020, plus $100,000 in conditional payments.
Rosenberry said, “I am excited to be part of the future and I’m more than ready to see what this group can achieve.”
Diego Rubio
Chilean striker Rubio joined the club this offseason in exchange for Kelyn Rowe and $200,000 of General Allocation Money and $100,000 of Target Allocation Money.
He too committed his future to the club as he joined Acosta and Rosenberry in signing a three-year contract in Colorado. I’m very happy that the club trusts in what I can do.” said Rubio. “It is time for me to act on that trust and give 100% each day.”
Rubio began his career in his homeland with Colo-Colo in 2010, having spent stints in Europe with Sporting CP and Valladolid most notably. Since then, he has featured for Sporting Kansas City since 2016. As of now, he has featured in 200 games collectively across his whole career, having scored 60 goals and assisted 25 times.
Rubio bolsters the Rapids’ attacking force, which could create the perfect relationship up-front with Kei Kamara who also joined the club prior to the 2019 MLS campaign.
