With the MLS transfer window now closed, the Colorado Rapids made two defensive acquisitions before the deadline as well as transferring Shane O’Neill to Europe.
The club announced through news releases on Friday the signing of Sean St. Ledger and Maynor Figueroa.
Ledger is an Irish international that has a tremendous amount of experience having played 12 years in England mainly in the The Championship. In total, Ledger has amassed 302 games in English soccer contributing 15 goals.
On the International level, Ledger has played 37 games for the Republic of Ireland scoring three goals.
Ledger arrived in the MLS in 2015 and was a regular starter for Orlando City SC featuring in 15 MLS games before being released Aug 1.
The Rapids are hoping that he will find form quickly to help the team in the stretch run of the season.
Ledger tweeted out his excitement a short while ago.
Grateful for the opportunity with @ColoradoRapids and looking forward to a new chapter! ✌🏻️
— Sean St Ledger (@seanstledger12) August 7, 2015
“Sean is an important addition to our roster,” said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director. “He has leadership skills and experience having played at a very high standard in English football, in addition to a long career with the Irish national team. Also he has had half-a-season in MLS so he will complement our existing squad. We are sure he’ll make a valuable contribution at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.”
Figueroa is another exciting versatile defender that will certainly add to the depth the Rapids currently have in defense.
The 32-year-old from Honduras was playing in the English Premier League with Hull City the last two seasons before being released this summer.
Figueroa has plenty of experience playing at a high level in Europe and will could be a vital player for the Rapids.
Before joining Hull City, Figueroa played 200 games for Wigan in the English Premier League and was part of the team that won the 2013 FA Cup against Manchester City.
Additionally, Figueroa has 113 caps for the Honduran national team, scoring four goals.
His vast amount of experience with club and country should serve him well coming to a Rapids team that is need of more leadership figures.
“We have been tracking Maynor for some time so we are delighted to have finally secured his services,” said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director. “He has vast experience in one of the best leagues in the world and his versatility will be an asset to us during the second half of the season. We look forward to welcoming him to our club.”
Both new players should excite Rapids fans as both players will bring experience, professionalism and an understanding of what is expected of them as the Rapids make a push for one of the final Western Conference playoff spots.
Financial details about the acquisitions were not disclosed, per club policy.
Sammy Mugharbil, a Mile high Sports intern and student at MSU-Denver contributed to this report