The Colorado Rapids waived today Uruguayan midfielder Martin Morales and added English midfielder Terry Cooke to the team's senior roster. Cooke, who signed a contract with the Black and Blue on March 25 of this year, received the proper paperwork from the U.S. government to be able to play in MLS only three days ago and returned to Denver on Wednesday night.
Morales, who was acquired from the Columbus Crew in a sign-and-trade deal on March 9th, played 61 minutes in the Rapids' 2005 season opener against Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.
Cooke, who comes to the Rapids after spending two years with English Second Division team Sheffield Wednesday, developed his first soccer steps with the world-renowned Manchester United system, the same team that saw him make his debut at a professional level. During his second year with the Red Devils, Cooke was awarded the team's Young Player of the Year Award from the hands of Sir Alex Ferguson himself.
A traditional old-fashioned winger, Cooke is at his best when running at defenders and supplying crosses into the opposition's penalty box. While with Manchester City, he won back-to-back promotions to the EPL under the management of Joe Royle while playing alongside greats like Ian Bishop. Nicknamed "Cookie", the 29-year old has made several appearances for the England Under-21 national team and was also part of both England's U-16 national team as well as the U-18 side which competed in the European Championships.
