COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – The Colorado Rapids have acquired 23-year-old attacking midfielder Carlos Alvarez from Chivas USA, trading midfielder Nathan Sturgis to the Los Angeles-based club in exchange. Alvarez has made 40 appearances in his two MLS seasons, and was the second overall selection in the 2013 MLS SuperDraft.

“Carlos is a dynamic, attacking player who gives our roster further depth and balance,” said Paul Bravo, the Rapids VP of Soccer Operations. “He has a bright future and we’re excited to add him to our group. We would also like to thank Nathan for his professionalism and contributions over the last two seasons, and wish him the best with Chivas.”

Alvarez has made 11 appearances so far in 2014, starting seven matches, and in his MLS career has two goals and three assists. Before joining the league, the LA native played four years at the University of Connecticut, scoring 20 goals and adding 42 assists in 82 games. In his youth career, he was called into camps for both the United States and Mexico Under-20 National Teams.

Sturgis, 26, came to Colorado ahead of the 2013 MLS season in a trade with Houston that involved Omar Cummings. He had four goals and an assist in 25 matches in his first season with the Rapids, and had one assist in six games (four starts) with Colorado in 2014.

The Rapids will host the Columbus Crew this Friday night in a match presented by HealthONE at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, with limited tickets still available by calling 303-825-GOAL or clicking here.

TRANSACTION: Rapids acquire midfielder Carlos Alvarez in trade with Chivas USA, in exchange for midfielder Nathan Sturgis.