The Colorado Rapids have confirmed the signing of full-back Jeremy Kelly, who has signed a one-year contract in Commerce City ahead of his debut campaign in Major League Soccer.
Kelly, 22, was picked ninth overall by the Montreal Impact in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, though he was immediately traded to the Rapids for $75,000 in General Allocation Money.
The defender—who was born in the Czech Republic and spent some of his childhood in France—played a prominent role for the North Carolina Tar Heels during his college career.
Rapids General Manager Padraig Smith said of the new arrival, per the official Colorado Rapids website:
“Jeremy was our top target going into the draft and his performances in preseason have backed up our decision to make the move for him on draft day. He’s a smart, versatile defender who reads the game well and shows real quality in possession. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop with us.”
A former United States under-20 international, Kelly’s contract includes the option to extend his stay should the Rapids wish to exercise it, according to the sports betting portal TopNJSportsbooks.com.
The MLS outfit will begin its first full season under head coach Robin Fraser after he was appointed in August, hoping to reach the play-offs for the first time since 2016.
No team is at longer odds to win the 2020 MLS title than Colorado, who are a +10000 (101.00) underdog to clinch their second crown with William Hill.
