COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Monday, May 6, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that the club has acquired Germán Mera, a 23-year-old Colombian defender, on loan from Deportivo Cali in Colombia until the end of the 2013 MLS season. Mera will be eligible pending receipt of his P-1 work visa and International Transfer Certificate.

“Germán is a big, strong and talented young defender with experience at the top level in Colombia,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “Bringing him in gives us some good depth along the back line, as he can play both centrally and on the left. We’re looking forward to welcoming him to the club.”

Mera comes to Colorado having spent the last three seasons with Deportivo Cali in the Colombian Primera A, the country’s top league, where he played a total of 56 games (53 starts) in league and cup play. He also appeared for Cali in the 2011 Copa Sudamericana, an international tournament for South American club teams. Colorado acquired Mera on loan on the last day of MLS’ first transfer window, and the defender will occupy both a roster and International slot that is available because the Rapids have players on the Disabled List.

The Rapids, coming off a 1-0 win over Toronto FC on Saturday, will visit the Columbus Crew this Saturday, May 11, and the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, May 18, with both matches being broadcast live on Altitude with play-by-play man Richard Fleming and former U.S. National Team star Marcelo Balboa. The Rapids return to Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on May 25 at 7:00 p.m. to face Chivas USA. For more information on the team, or to purchase tickets, visit www.ColoradoRapids.com or call 303-825-GOAL.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids sign Germán Mera as an International Player on May 6, 2013.

Germán Mera

Full Name: Germán Mera Cáceres

Number: TBD

Position: Defender

Born: March 5, 1990 in Cali, Colombia

Hometown: Cali, Colombia

Citizenship: Colombia

Height: 6’2”

Weight: 185

Last Team: Deportivo Cali (COL)

Acquired: Signed by the Rapids on May 6, 2013 as an International Player.