SECAUCUS, NJ - Red Bull New York announced today that it acquired defender Hunter Freeman from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for a 2008 third round SuperDraft pick and a 2009 fourth round supplemental draft pick. To make room for Freeman, the Red Bulls waived defender Eric Denton.
"We believe Hunter is at the beginning of a very bright career and will provide versatility and depth in our back line," said Red Bull New York Technical Director Jeff Agoos.
Freeman, 22, was the Rapids' first round (7th overall) selection in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft. During the 2006 season, the University of Virginia product made 27 appearances, 24 of them starts, playing both at right back and left back for Colorado and registering one assist. In his rookie season, Freeman appeared in 20 matches.
The Allen, TX native was formerly a member of the U.S. Under-20 National Team and he competed in the 2005 FIFA World Youth Championships, starting in each of the team's four games and scoring a goal. Freeman was also a member of several other youth national teams (U-14, 15, 16, 17 and 18) and was enrolled in the U.S. Soccer Residency Program.
At the University of Virginia, Freeman set a program record of 21 assists in one season in 2004 - leading the nation in that category. He was an all-ACC First Team and NSCAA/adidas All-America Third Team selection that year. Freeman was also previously a member of PDL club, the Texas Spurs, and was the youngest player on the squad by two years.
Denton was acquired by the Red Bulls via the MLS Waiver Draft on November 22, 2006. Prior to joining the Red Bulls, Denton played for Colorado, starting in 22 games last season.
