The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of former Duke University standout Jordan Cila to a multi-year deal with Major League Soccer. Per MLS policy, details of the contract were not made public.
Cila, who will occupy one of the six spots on the Rapids' Developmental Roster, comes to Colorado after a sparkling four year career at Duke. In 76 career games, Cila tallied 30 goals and 95 points while helping the Blue Devils reach the NCAA Tournament on twice. He arrived at the Rapids preseason camp as an non-roster invitee after going undrafted in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft in January. However, he quickly impressed the coaching staff and accompanied the team to Florida where he tallied a pair of goals in the Rapids' 6-1 win over the United States Under-20 National Team.
The 5-10 midfielder, who can also play up front, has represented the United States at multiple youth levels, playing for the Under-20 and Under-17 national teams. In 1999, Cila joined his new Colorado teammate Kyle Beckerman, as well as current MLS stars DaMarcus Beasley, Landon Donovan and Taylor Twellman on the U.S. roster for the 1999 World Youth Championships in New Zealand where the U.S. finished in fourth place. He scored his only goal of the tournament in the quarterfinals in the United States' 3-2 win over Mexico.
The Rapids will kick off the 2004 Major League Soccer regular season on Saturday, April 3rd when they visit the Dallas Burn at the Cotton Bowl at 6:30 p.m. (MT)
Jordan Cila
Position: Midfield
Height: 5-10
Weight: 165
Date of birth: April 11, 1982
Place of birth: Jericho, NY
Hometown: Jericho, NY
Citizenship: USA
National team experience: United States Under-20, Under-17
College: Duke University
Acquired: Signed on April 1, 2004
Previous clubs: None
