COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, March 6, 2015) – Colorado Rapids have waived defenders John Neeskens and Grant Van De Casteele after one season with the club.

Neeskens, 21, played a total of 273 minutes during his five MLS appearances for the club, logging his only goal against Chivas USA on October 11, 2014. Before signing with the Rapids, he spent two seasons in Spain’s Segunda B, making 14 appearances for UE Sant Andreu in 2012-13 and 15 appearances for CF Badalona in 2013-14.

Van De Casteele, 24, made his only MLS appearance on August 20, 2014 against LA Galaxy, logging 29 minutes. Picked with the 19th overall selection (first round) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, he played four years at Notre Dame, starting all 84 of his collegiate appearances. Van De Casteele helped lead his collegiate team to the 2013 NCAA Championship and was named to the All-Tournament team.

“On behalf of everyone at the club, we would like to thank Grant and John for their contributions to the club and we wish them the very best in the future,” said Paul Bravo, VP of Soccer Operations and Technical Director.

The Colorado Rapids begin regular season play this Saturday against Philadelphia Union at PPL Park at 2 p.m. MT. Coverage of the match begins at 1:30 p.m. MT on Altitude.