SALT LAKE CITY - Real Salt Lake, Major League Soccer's 12th team, today acquired Colorado Rapids forward Jordan Cila, announced RSL General Manager Steve Pastorino and Head Coach John Ellinger. The Colorado Rapids will receive a conditional 2007 Second Round SuperDraft pick in exchange for Cila.
"The opportunity to add another 'Generation adidas' player to our team demonstrates Real Salt Lake's commitment to developing this team for the future," said RSL General Manager Steve Pastorino. "Jordan Cila's scoring ability makes him a dangerous player on the field and one that we are happy to have on the team."
The 22-year-old Cila, who will enter his second year as a professional soccer player, made an immediate impact in his first year with the Rapids, scoring four goals and two assists in 21 games. The former Duke University striker started in 15 games in 2004 netting four goals and recording two assists for the for the Rapids.
The New York native made his MLS and Rapids debut when he replaced Jean Philippe Peguero in the 77th minute of the Rapids' 2-0 loss in Kansas City on May 1. He recorded his first two goals of the year and the first two of his MLS career in the Rapids' 3-2 win over the MetroStars on June 30, when he opened the scoring for Colorado in the 13th minute and then scored the game-winner in the 89th minute to be named the MLS Man of the Match.
Cila arrived at the Rapids 2004 preseason camp as a non-roster invitee after going undrafted in the 2004 MLS SuperDraft in January. However, Cila quickly impressed the coaching staff and accompanied the team to Florida where he tallied a pair of goals in the Rapids' 6-1 pre-season win over the United States Under-20 National Team. He finished the 2004 MLS regular season as the Rapids' 3rd-leading goal scorer.
ROJAS, WILLIAMS AND BRENES COMPETING IN GOLD CUP QUALIFYING:
Jamaican MF Andy Williams, Trinidadian DF Marlon Rojas and Costa Rican MF Pablo Brenes are training with their respective national teams in preparation for CONCACAF Gold Cup Qualifying.
RHYNE, MCELLIGOTT AND HUTTON TRIAL PERIOD UP:
GK Martin Hutton, MF Steven Rhyne and FW Derek McElligott will not be traveling to Portugal with the team after ending their trial period with RSL in Bradenton, Fla.
ARA NOT AMONGST RSL RANKS IN PORTUGAL:
MF Kevin Ara was placed on waivers and will not be joining the team in Portugal.
REAL SALT LAKE CONTINUES TRAINING CAMP IN PORTUGAL:
Following today's scrimmage against the U.S. Adult Amateur Team, the players will enjoy four days off before meeting at Kennedy International Airport on Thursday, Feb. 24 to depart for the second training camp session. RSL resumes training in Monte Gordo, Portugal on Feb. 25 for 14 days.
Feb. 24 - Mar. 9: Training Camp in Portugal
Tuesday, March 1, vs. Beira Mar (Portuguese Div 2B side)
Wednesday, March 2, Portimonense (Top. Portuguese Div 2 side)
Tuesday, March 8, Olhanense (Top. Portuguese Div 2 side)
Mar. 14 - Mar. 27: Training Camp in Southern California (University of Redlands)
Saturday, Mar. 19 - Real Salt Lake vs. Colorado Rapids (Site TBD)
Additional exhibition games scheduled TBD
