COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Wednesday, April 2, 2014) – The Colorado Rapids have signed Austrian defender Thomas Piermayr, a 24-year-old with experience in Norway and Scotland as well as his home country. He will occupy an International Spot on the Rapids’ roster, and is eligible for this Saturday’s game at Vancouver Whitecaps FC. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“Thomas has really impressed us in his time on trial, and he also has a great deal of experience in Europe,” said Paul Bravo, the Rapids VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director. “He gives us depth at outside back on either the left or right side, and can play in the midfield as well. We’re pleased to welcome him to the club.”

Piermayr comes to Colorado from Lillestrøm SK in Norway’s top division, where he played 10 matches at the end of the 2013 season. He previously played in 2012-13 with Wiener Neustadt in the Austrian Bundesliga, and 2011-12 with Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Scottish Premier League. He began his professional career with Austrian club LASK Linz in 2008, at the age of 19.

The Rapids first team will visit Canada for the next two weekends, facing Vancouver this Saturday, April 5 at 4:30 p.m. MT and Toronto FC on Saturday, April 12 at 2 p.m. MT, with both matches broadcast live on Altitude TV. Colorado’s next home game is Saturday, April 19 against the San Jose Earthquakes at 4 p.m. MT at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. For more information on the club, or to purchase season tickets, click here or call 303-825-GOAL.

TRANSACTION: The Colorado Rapids sign Austrian defender Thomas Piermayr.