Joe Public forward Gregory Richardson has signed for Major League Soccer club Colorado Rapids, creating history as the first Guyanese to play in the MLS.
The 26 year old finished last season with Joe Public before heading home to compete in the Kashif and Shanghai tournament in which he helped Pele FC win the local tournament scoring a goal in every match except the final.
Colorado Rapids have spent a good portion of the off-season trying to find another forward to complement strikers Conor Casey and Omar Cummings and Richardson looks the part.
The Rapids struck a deal with Toronto FC, sending an undisclosed 2010 draft pick (believed to be in the first two rounds) to Toronto in exchange for the rights to Guyanese forward Gregory Richardson.
Richardson had been on trial with Toronto FC, which held the top Discovery Claim on the him, but TFC ultimately decided to deal the MLS rights of Richardson to the Rapids.
“I think we are adding a very explosive and athletic forward who I believe has a huge amount of potential,” said Rapids coach Gary Smith on the club’s website.
Richardson first rose to prominence in MLS circles when he scored an impressive hat-trick against New England in Joe Public’s 4-0 CONCACAF Champions League win at Gillette Stadium last September. His combination of speed and skill had a long list of teams interested in his services, but Toronto ultimately landed his rights and dealt them to the Rapids after choosing not to keep him following an extended trial.
“I’m sure he will be a wonderful addition to our already youthful and exciting front line,” added Smith over his new signing.
Rapids will face Chivas USA in their opening match of the MLS season on March 21 in Los Angeles.
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