COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, March 28, 2014) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Friday that the club has signed goalkeeper Clint Irwin and defender Chris Klute to new contracts. Per league and team policy, contract details were not disclosed.

“Both Clint and Chris broke out in 2013 and proved themselves to be among the best players in MLS at their positions,” said Paul Bravo, the Rapids VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director. “We’re thrilled to be able to sign them to new contracts and keep them here in Colorado where they’ve become a very important part of our club.”

“I’m thrilled to sign a new contract with the Rapids, and happy to be a part of this organization and Kroenke Sports as a whole,” said Irwin. “The club has shown faith in me throughout the past year, and I wanted to show my commitment as well. I’m eager to continue working hard and pursue a championship.”

“I love it here with the Rapids, so I am very thankful to have signed a new contract,” said Klute. “Denver has become a second home, and this club has great people, from my teammates to the coaching staff, and most of all the fans. I’m excited for the opportunity to continue here in Colorado.”

Irwin, 24, joined the Rapids in February of 2013 after spending two seasons in minor-league soccer and the preseason on trial with Colorado. He was thrust into the starting role after a serious injury to Matt Pickens in the third game of the season, and the Elon University alum took control of the position and finished the year with a franchise record-tying 10 shutouts and a goals against average of 1.10.

Off the field, Irwin has become one of MLS’ most insightful personalities, writing for a number of web outlets and posting from his Twitter account, @ClintIrwin.

Klute, also 24, joined the Rapids late in the 2012 season on loan from the Atlanta Silverbacks of the NASL, playing in only the final match of that season. He started the 2013 season on the bench but entered the fourth match of the year after an injury to Diego Calderón, and started every game after that, helping the Rapids to one of MLS’ best defenses. He also contributed on offense with a team-leading seven assists, and was one of the top vote-getters for MLS Defender of the Year.

Irwin is returning to full fitness following a quad injury suffered in the final match of preseason, while Klute suffered a hamstring strain in the first match of the season at New York and is expected back in the coming weeks. The Rapids face Sporting Kansas City at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this Saturday, March 29 at 4 p.m., with tickets available here or by calling 303-825-GOAL.

TRANSACTION: The Colorado Rapids sign goalkeeper Clint Irwin and defender Chris Klute to new contracts on March 28, 2014.