After a flurry of trades involving cash, SuperDraft picks and allocation positions, the Colorado Rapids finally made their first selection. Not more than a few minutes after acquiring the 15h pick from Chicago, the Rapids used the pick to select midfielder Emmanuel Appiah.
Appiah, who is 22 and from Westerville, Ohio, spent five years playing in the midfield for the University of Cincinnati. As a freshman in 2011, Appiah played in 16 games, 12 of which he started, scored one goal and assisted on three goals. By the end of his fifth year, Appiah was starting in all games except for one, and had increased his point production. He scored five goals and assisted on 6 others. Appiah played in 65 games during his Cincinnati career, scoring a total of seven goals and adding 11 assists.
Excited to have Emmanuel Appiah join our squad. Take a look at what you're getting #Rapids96 fans!https://t.co/N2ZoM4mMm1
— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) January 14, 2016
Rapids partners are pretty excited about their new addition to the team and can’t wait to see Appiah wearing the Burgundy!
Congrats @E_Swell, we’re proud to have you wear the @ColoradoRapids shirt. #SuperDraft
— Transamerica (@Transamerica) January 14, 2016
His college team was proud and chimed in as well.
Emmanuel Appiah is drafted #15 by the #ColoradoRapids! Congrats. So Proud of you. Great things are ahead! @MLS #SuperDraft
— Cincinnati M-Soccer (@GoBearcatsMSOC) January 14, 2016
For continuing coverage of the MLS Draft, you can watch a live stream of the MLS SuperDraft on www.ColoradoRapids.com or follow @ColoradoRapids on Twitter.
Image Credit: GoBearcats.com