COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, February 20, 2015) – Colorado Rapids have acquired their second Designated Player in franchise history by signing midfielder Juan Ramirez from Argentinos Juniors pending the receipt of his P-1 Visa and ITC. Per league policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The 21-year-old is a fast, skillful left-sided midfielder who has amassed 81 games with the Argentine side, scoring five goals.

As an under-23 player, Ramirez joins as a “young DP” and is the ninth signing of a busy off-season for the Rapids. He joins Lucas Pittinari, Marcelo Sarvas, Zac MacMath, Sam Cronin, Axel Sjoberg, Bobby Burling, Caleb Calvert and Michael Harrington in their new-look roster.

“Juan is very dynamic with a lot of attacking attributes,” said Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni.

“He looks to take players on and, with his change of pace, he’ll bring the type of attacking play that Vicente Sanchez has added to Colorado Rapids in recent seasons. He will give an instant spark to the group.”

Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director, added: “Juan is another important piece in our club’s long-term vision.

"We believe that this is the type of young, talented and attack-minded player that can develop into a real difference-maker for the club in the coming years."

Ramirez has traveled with the first-team squad to Tucson. His shirt number will be number 15, which was previously worn by defender Chris Klute.

Look out for the first interview with Rapids’ new DP on ColoradoRapids.com soon.

To discuss the news on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram etc please use our official hashtag - #WelcomeRamirez.

Full Name: Juan Edgardo Ramirez

Position: Midfielder

Height: 5’8”

Weight: 150 lbs.

Born: March 25, 1993

Hometown: Moreno

Citizenship: Argentinean

Last Club: Argentinos Juniors

Acquired: Signed as a Young Designated Player on Feb. 20, 2015