Rapids acquire forward Edson Buddle from the LA Galaxy
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, December 14, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids have acquired forward Edson Buddle, a World Cup veteran with 93 career MLS goals, in a trade with the LA Galaxy. Buddle, 31, has been in Major League Soccer since 2001, playing 250 matches with four teams, and appeared in two matches for the United States at the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
In exchange for the forward, the Rapids sent allocation money and the team’s first round 2013 MLS Supplemental Draft pick to the Galaxy.
“Edson is an explosive, dynamic forward who is among the top scorers in MLS history,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “He’s a strong presence up top, with both size and skill, and he has great experience in MLS, Germany, and the U.S. National Team. We’re happy to welcome him to the Rapids.”
Buddle comes to Colorado from the LA Galaxy, where he played from 2007-2010 and in 2012, scoring 45 goals in 106 games, including 15 goals in 2008 and 17 in 2010, when he was the runner-up for the MLS Golden Boot. During 2011, Buddle joined FC Ingolstadt of the German second division, where he notched nine goals in 31 games. He started his MLS career in 2001 with the Columbus Crew, where he played for five seasons, and also appeared for the New York Red Bulls in 2006 and Toronto FC in 2007.
The native of New Rochelle, N.Y. made his first appearance for the U.S. National Team in 2003, and was also a part of the U.S. in 2010, when he was selected to the squad for the FIFA World Cup. He appeared as a substitute in the United States’ matches against England and Algeria, and has made a total of 11 appearances and scored three goals for his country.
The Rapids will start preseason in January, and are set to participate in the Desert Friendlies presented by Tucson FC and the Las Vegas ProSoccer Challenge against Chivas USA on February 15 as part of their preparations. To purchase season tickets for the Rapids’ 2013 campaign, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.
Edson Buddle
Full Name: Edson Michael Buddle
Number: TBD
Position: Forward
Born: May 21, 1981 in White Plains, NY
Hometown: New Rochelle, NY
Citizenship: United States
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 185
Last Team: LA Galaxy
Acquired: Acquired by the Rapids on December 14, 2012 from the LA Galaxy in exchange for a first round 2013 Supplemental Draft pick and allocation money.
