COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Tuesday, January 21, 2014) – The Colorado Rapids have acquired an international roster spot from the Houston Dynamo, with midfielder Tony Cascio going to Houston via the Intraleague loan mechanism for the 2014 season. The transaction is the first Intraleague loan in MLS history.



“Acquiring this International roster spot is a move that allows us some roster flexibility, since Tony plays in a position where we are relatively deep,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “It gives Tony more of an opportunity for playing time, and he’ll be able to gain some great experience with the Dynamo. We will also be able to strengthen other areas of our roster for this season.”

Cascio, 23, joined Colorado as the 14th overall selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft after a distinguished four year career at the University of Connecticut. In two MLS seasons, the Gilbert, Ariz. native played a total of 42 matches (22 starts), scoring four goals and adding three assists. Colorado will receive an International roster spot in exchange for Cascio, giving the Rapids a total of nine such slots, of which the team currently has four filled (Deshorn Brown, Brenton Griffiths, Vicente Sánchez, Gabriel Torres).

The Rapids open preseason late this week, and will play their first preseason games against the Dynamo on Sunday, Feb. 2 in Houston, followed by trips to Las Vegas and Tucson for more friendly matches. Colorado’s season begins on March 15 at the New York Red Bulls, with the Home Opener at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park against the Portland Timbers on March 22. For more information on the club, or to purchase season tickets, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.