The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of defender Jeremy Kelly to a one-year contract with a club option to extend the contract in future years.

“Jeremy was our top target going into the draft and his performances in preseason have backed up our decision to make the move for him on draft day,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids EVP & General Manager. “He’s a smart, versatile defender who reads the game well and shows real quality in possession. We look forward to seeing him continue to develop with us.”

Kelly was selected ninth overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft by the Montreal Impact, but the Canadian side immediately traded his rights to the Rapids in exchange for $75,000 in 2020 General Allocation Money. The Rapids had acquired the $75,000 in 2020 General Allocation Money from Nashville SC in exchange for the #11 pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft. The former University of Carolina defender started every game during his two seasons with the Tar Heels and was a key part of UNC’s run to back-to-back NCAA Men’s College Cups.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids sign defender Jeremy Kelly on February 25, 2020.

Full Name: Jeremy Kelly

Position: Defender

Height: 5-10

Weight: 145

Birthdate: October 21, 1997

Birthplace: Prague, Czech Republic

Nationality: USA

Twitter: jeje_k4