The improvement continues for the Colorado Rapids as they acquired via trade defender Eric Miller from the Montreal Impact in exchange for a 2018 draft pick and general allocation money.
Last season, Colorado was the worst club in the Western Conference of Major League Soccer (MLS), finishing dead last in the standings with only 37 points in 34 games (9–15–10).
Miller, who was the fifth overall pick by Impact in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, is a great addition for the Rapids who are having a busy offseason revamping their roster.
In his first two seasons in the MLS, Miller played a total of 30 games (24 starts) for Montreal, 21 in his first season but only nine appearances in his second year, logging 2,163 playing minutes.
"Eric is a rising young player in our league and with the U.S. national team program," Rapids technical director and vice president of soccer operations Paul Bravo said in a statement on the team's website.
"He will bring added quality and competition to our backline. We are delighted to welcome him to the club," Bravo continued.
Playing at right back, the 23-year-old defender may display his versatility with his new club as he can also be utilized at left back.
Because of Miller's ability to play at both positions, MLS.com suggested that now with the Rapids, he can prove himself and outdo Marlon Hairston to earn the starting job at right back, or share playing time at left back with Marc Burch.
Following the addition of Miller to the roster, it is likely that the Rapids will engage in a few more offseason moves to improve the club and return to the championship pedestal.
Colorado became MLS champions in 2010 and after that reached the playoffs only twice in the next five seasons (quarterfinals in 2011, knock out stage in 2013).
The Rapids are currently on a two-year playoff drought and aim to again be considered as legitimate contenders in the upcoming season.
