Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the acquisition of midfielder Mohammed Saeid, attacker Joshua Gatt and one international slot from Minnesota United FC in exchange for defender Marc Burch.

In addition, the Rapids waived midfielder Sam Cronin to be immediately selected by Minnesota off of waivers. Per CBA rules, Cronin, who re-signed with Colorado as a Free Agent in 2016, could not be traded to another MLS team.

“We would like to thank Sam and Marc for their contributions during their time in Colorado,” said Rapids Sporting Director Pádraig Smith. “They are both top professionals who always gave everything for the team. As our captain Sam was a leader for our club both on and off the field and his contributions to the club will be long remembered. We wish both Sam and Marc the best of luck in the future.”

“Sam and Marc formed part of the foundation that helped the Rapids achieve one of the best seasons in club history,” said Rapids Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni. “They were both valuable members of our team and our community and I’m confident they will have plenty of success for years to come.”

Saeid, 26, was selected by Minnesota United FC in the third round of the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft. Prior to joining the Loons, Saeid spent two seasons with Columbus Crew SC, appearing in 50 regular season games, while notching six assists in 3,849 minutes played. He also helped the Crew SC reach the 2015 MLS Cup in his first season with the club.

The 5-foot-7 midfielder spent seven years in West Bromwich Albion’s youth ranks before returning to his native Sweden to begin his professional career. Saeid spent three seasons with BK Forward, appearing in 56 games while tallying eight goals, and another three seasons with Örebro SK, where he notched seven goals in 68 contests.

Gatt, 25, joined Minnesota after spending the past five seasons with Molde FK of Norway’s first division. He registered 11 goals in 63 league appearances, while also helping the club to back-to-back league championships in his first two years. Prior to his five-year stint in Norway, Gatt played one season with Austrian club SC Rheindorf Altach, in which he scored 5 goals in 14 matches.

The Plymouth, Michigan earned his first of two caps for the U.S. Men’s National Team on November 14, 2012 in a friendly contest against Russia. Gatt was also selected to the USMNT preliminary roster for the 2013 CONCACAF Gold Cup, but was left out of the final list due to a knee injury.

“While it is never easy to part with good players, we believe that this move is in the best interests of the club both in the short and long term,” added Smith. “Mohammed is a proven talent in MLS and has a successful track record in the league. His passing quality is of the highest level and his ability to find passes between the lines and move the team forward are key qualities we want in our club.

“Although Joshua has had injury issues in the past his talent is without question. He brings pace and an attacking boldness which will provide our coaching staff with another weapon on attack. We’re confident the move to bring both of these young players to our club will help bolster our attack while providing us with additional cap flexibility to continue to improve our roster.”

Next up for the Rapids side is a road contest at Sporting Kansas City on Sunday, April 9 (5:00 p.m. MT – FS1) before returning to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to take on Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 15 (7:00 p.m. MT – Altitude).

Transaction: Colorado Rapids (MLS) – March, 31, 2017 – The Rapids acquire midfielder Mohammed Saeid, attacker Joshua Gatt, and one international slot from Minnesota United FC in exchange for defender Marc Burch.

Transaction: Colorado Rapids (MLS) – March, 31, 2017 – The Rapids waive midfielder Sam Cronin who gets acquired off waivers by Minnesota United FC.

Full Name: Mohammed Saeid

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5'7"

Weight: 141 lbs.

Birth Date: December 24, 1990

Birthplace: Örebro, Sweden

Hometown: Örebro, Sweden

Full Name: Joshua Gatt

Position: Midfielder/Forward

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 165 lbs.

Birth Date: August 29, 1991

Birthplace: Plymouth, Michigan

Hometown: Plymouth, Michigan