The Colorado Rapids added former Southern Methodist University midfielder Bruno Guarda to their roster Wednesday after winning the rights to the Brazilian midfielder in a league lottery held Tuesday.
Following his signing with Major League Soccer, Guarda waited to be assigned to his new club via the league's lottery system. With 12 of the 14 MLS sides vying for his services in the weighted lottery, the Rapids had an eight percent chance of landing the two-time Conference USA Player of the Year. Odds were determined based on teams' records over the past 30 days.
"Bruno is a skillful, creative midfielder who comes to us with a very impressive resume," said Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. "As a team, we were fortunate to win this lottery for such a talented, technical player."
Guarda established himself as one of the nation's best collegiate players during his time at SMU, where he played under current FC Dallas head coach Schellas Hyndman. He finished his three-year career (2005-2007) with a total of 15 goals and 17 assists in 63 games. Gourda was also a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy, awarded annually to the United States' top male and female college soccer players, in both 2006 and 2007.
Guarda will take the roster spot of goalkeeper Justin Hughes, who was placed on the Rapids' season ending injury list after undergoing successful surgery to his right shoulder.
