The Colorado Rapids selected defenders Eddie Ababio and Colin Givens in the 2011 MLS SuperDraft held today at the Baltimore Convention Center.As MLS Cup Champions, the Rapids held the last pick in each of the first two rounds. Colorado had previously traded their third round selection of today's three round draft.
The Rapids took Ababio with their first round selection (18th overall) from the University of North Carolina . Born in Ghana , he concluded his collegiate career appearing in 89 games for the Tar Heels scoring 13 goals and adding 12 assists. Ababio was also a member of UNC’s three consecutive College Cup Final Four squads.
Colorado used their final selection of the day to take Givens with the 36th overall pick. The Michigan State product played in 65 games recording one goal and one assist for the Spartans and earned First Team All-Big Ten and Second Team All-Region honors last season.
Ababio and Givens, along with the rest of the Rapids, will report to Colorado later this month for the start of preseason training.
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.
Colorado Rapids 2011 MLS SuperDraft Selections
Eddie Ababio
Position: Defender
D.O.B.: January 1, 1988
Hometown: Tampa , Florida
Height: 5-11
Weight: 175
College: University of North Carolina
Citizenship: USA/Ghana
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the first round (18th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft
Colin Givens
Position: Defender
D.O.B.: April 9, 1989
Hometown: Troy , Michigan
Height: 5-11
Weight: 180
College: Michigan State University
Citizenship: USA/Scotland
Acquired: Selected by the Rapids in the second round (36th overall) of the 2011 MLS SuperDraft
