Minnesota United has acquired defender Joseph Greenspan from the Colorado Rapids in exchange for its 2017 Natural Third Round SuperDraft pick.

"Joe was a player that we felt very strongly about as we prepared for the 2015 MLS SuperDraft,” said Minnesota United Head Coach Adrian Heath. “His size, athleticism and technical ability, matched with his character and leadership make him an excellent addition to Minnesota United. His commitments to the U.S. Navy have kept him from focusing completely on his professional career and we're thrilled that he'll be able to do that in Minnesota."

Born in New Jersey, the six-foot-six-inch 24-year-old center back was selected 26th overall in the 2015 MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. An active member of the U.S. Navy, Greenspan did not join the Rapids immediately following the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Colorado would instead wait until June 5 to officially sign Greenspan, who was granted permission to train and play for the club around the fulfillment of his Naval duties.

He made his first professional appearance in a Rapids 4-1 win in the U.S. Open Cup over the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, with his first official MLS appearance coming eight days later. After four games with Colorado in 2015, Greenspan began the 2016 season in San Diego aboard a U.S. Navy destroyer, rejoining Colorado in July after being given assignment in Denver. Shortly after his move to Denver, Greenspan was sent on loan to the Switchbacks and then to the Charlotte Independence, playing 11 total matches in 2016.

Greenspan was one of the most decorated players in Navy men’s soccer history, earning All-American honors as both a junior and a senior while leading the team to the school’s first NCAA tournament win in 42 years. He was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and was awarded the NAAA Sword for Men in May 2015, an honor presented to a member of the Navy graduating class that is considered by the Association’s Athletic Council to have personally excelled in men’s athletics during his years of varsity competition.

Greenspan joins Kevin Venegas and Justin Davis as the third MNUFC signing ahead of its inaugural MLS season. With three defenders in the books, the club is building back to front and will have an opportunity to improve upon its roster this Tuesday in the 2016 MLS Expansion Draft.

Tickets for the 2017 season are on sale now, with Minnesota United moving into TCF Bank Stadium this spring and a whole new league. Season tickets start at just $18 per match, with prices set to increase this Friday. Find your seat now at MNUFC.COM.

TRANSACTION

Colorado trades Joe Greenspan to Minnesota United; and Minnesota United trades their 2017 Natural Third Round SuperDraft pick to Colorado.