COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — After weeks of waiting, Martín Rivero has finally been cleared to make his long-awaited Colorado Rapids debut.
The club received a provisional International Transfer Request Form (ITC) for the Argentine playmaker on Monday, and the 22-year-old could make his Rapids debut as soon as Sunday.
Despite the frustrating delay, Rapids head coach Oscar Pareja has indicated that Rivero will compete for a starting role as soon as he’s eligible. After finally receiving the paperwork, the Rosario Central product will now be eligible to make his debut in front of the home fans when the Rapids host the Chicago Fire on Sunday (7 pm ET, Galavision).
Pareja believes the nearly six weeks of practice time may have actually benefited the 22-year-old in the process.
“He’s in that moment of working hard and getting adapted to the altitude and rhythm in practices,” Pareja said. “Game shape will come shortly.”
The Rapids missed midfielders Jeff Larentowicz and Pablo Mastroeni in Sunday’s 4-1 defeat to the New York Red Bulls, leaving Pareja scrambling for options. Ultimately he settled on the midfield partnership of Wells Thompson and Ross LaBauex, both of whom struggled to compete in the loss.
With Mastroeni’s status for Sunday uncertain, Rivero's opportunity could come against the Fire.
HIGHLIGHTS: NY vs COL
