The Colorado Rapids have acquired striker Diego Rubio from Sporting Kansas City, in exchange for midfielder Kelyn Rowe, $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money and $200,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
Rowe had previously been acquired earlier in the day from New England Revolution in exchange for Edgar Castillo. Rubio is the third addition to the Rapids’ attacking front this offseason.
“Diego Rubio was a key target for us heading into the offseason, so we’re delighted to secure his signing and to bring him to Colorado,” said Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager, Pádraig Smith in a release.
“Diego is a dangerous striker in front of goal and will provide us with a formidable attacking threat as he pairs up with Kei Kamara.”
The Chilean striker joined Sporting Kansas City as a Young Designated Player in 2016. He recorded 15 goals in just 2,121 regular season minutes for Sporting KC, and added two key goals during the 2018 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs as well.
A native of Santiago, Chile, Rubio played for the Spanish Segunda Division side Real Valladolid from 2015-16 where he made 14 appearances for the club. Prior to arriving in Spain, the talented striker played for Portugal’s Primeira Liga giants Sporting Lisbon from 2011-15.
“I want to thank the Rapids for this opportunity,” Rubio said. “I can’t wait to take the pitch and score goals in front of Colorado supporters.”
