After some speculation, the Colorado Rapids announced Friday that the club has transferred homegrown talent and Boulder-native Shane O’Neill to Apollon Limassol of Cyprus.
The club announced the transfer in a news release.
“This is a bittersweet announcement for us,” said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director in the statement. “We are very proud of Shane’s accomplishments which began in our Academy before extending to national teams and the Rapids first-team.
“Although he is leaving us to fulfill his ambitions in Europe, he leaves an important legacy. We want to thank Shane for all that he has done for the club on and off the field. He will be missed but we are excited for him as he embarks on a new chapter in his career and wish him the best of luck in Europe.”
O’Neill had logged just 286 minutes in four regular season MLS games this season, but had been very active with the USMNT U-23 squad. In June, the 21-year-old was voted the third-best player of the prestigious Toulon Tournament after helping the U.S. Under-23s finish third overall. In January he was invited to train with the full U.S. Men’s National Team but did not feature in a game.
For his career, O’Neill played in 52 MLS games for the Rapids, including 48 starts, with one goal.
The Fairview High School graduate signed with the Rapids on a homegrown contract in June 2012.
His new club, Apollon, finished third in the Cypriot League last season. As a result, they are competing in the UEFA Europa League for the third successive campaign.
Financial details about the transaction were not disclosed, per club policy.
