The Houston Dynamo have acquired midfielder Tony Cascio on a season-long loan from the Colorado Rapids via the Intraleague loan mechanism in exchange for an international roster spot, it was announced today.

Cascio, 23, appeared in 42 games (22 starts) and tallied four goals and three assists in his first two seasons with Colorado. A native of Gilbert, Ariz., Cascio was a NSCAA first team All-American and Big East Offensive Player of the Year at the University of Connecticut in 2010. In 85 career college games, the 6-foot midfielder scored 24 goals and added 25 assists to twice earn All-Big East first team honors. The wide midfielder was selected in the first round (No. 14 overall) of the 2012 MLS SuperDraft by the Rapids.

“I watched him in college and his first two years with Colorado and I enjoy the way he approaches the game,” said Dynamo head coach Dominic Kinnear. “He is not afraid to take on players and he has good versatility. I think when he has the ball at his feet he is not afraid to try and be productive, whether it be an assist or a goal. With what we have coming up this year, we think he is going to be a great addition to the team.”

The agreement marks the first loan between two Major League Soccer clubs in the history of the league.

TRANSACTION: Houston Dynamo acquire MID Tony Cascio on loan from Colorado Rapids in exchange for international roster spot.

TONY CASCIO

Position: Midfielder

Height: 6' 0"

Weight: 170 lbs.

DOB: March 28, 1990

Hometown: Gilbert, Ariz.

College: University of Conencticut

Nationality: USA

How Acquired: Acquired on loan from Colorado Rapids