COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, January 28, 2011) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that the club has re-signed forward Andre Akpan and midfielder Jamie Smith to new contracts. Per club and league policies, terms of the deals were not disclosed.Originally Colorado ’s top selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft (second round, 22nd overall), Akpan appeared in one game, playing 13 minutes during his rookie campaign. He also played in two U.S. Open Cup qualifiers for the Rapids and spent loan periods with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Real Maryland last year.
Smith joined the Rapids on July 28, 2009 and has appeared in 26 games, with 19 starts, scoring one goal and adding nine assists, leading the team in assists last year with eight. He appeared in two postseason games for Colorado last season and set up Conor Casey’s game tying goal in MLS Cup 2010.
The 2010 MLS Cup champion Rapids open their 16th MLS season in 2011 hosting the expansion Portland Timbers at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 19 at 7 p.m. MT. Season tickets are available by calling (303) 825-GOAL or online at ColoradoRapids.com.
