Colorado Rapids acquire Atiba Harris from the Vancouver Whitecaps Atiba Harris (photo Getty Images). 27-year-old midfielder/forward comes to Colorado in exchange for an international roster spot

Colorado Rapids: COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Dec. 3, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Monday that the club has acquired midfielder/forward Atiba Harris from the Vancouver Whitecaps, in exchange for an international roster spot. Harris, 27, is a seven year veteran of MLS, having scored 17 goals and added 19 assists in 138 matches (109 starts) with four different clubs.



To acquire the Saint Kitts and Nevis international, the Rapids traded an international roster spot for the 2015 and 2016 seasons to Vancouver, an extension of the spot traded to the Whitecaps for allocation money prior to the 2012 season.



“Atiba is a versatile, exciting attacking player who has a lot of experience for his age,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “He can play both wide midfield and attacking positions and his speed, skills and tenacity will give our team a boost in the attacking third. We’re excited to welcome him to the club.”



Harris originally came to MLS in 2006, joining Real Salt Lake after youth stints in Europe with English club Newcastle United and Spanish side Cádiz. He played two seasons with RSL before joining Chivas USA in 2008, and then went to FC Dallas via trade late in 2009. Harris played a key role for Dallas in 2010, including starting against the Rapids in MLS Cup, before the Whitecaps selected the midfielder/forward in the 2011 Expansion Draft.



A veteran and captain for the Saint Kitts and Nevis National Team, Harris is originally from Basseterre in the small island nation in the West Indies. He has played 27 matches for his country, including several in World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF (the soccer region for North America, Central America and the Caribbean), scoring 10 goals. Harris was the first Kittian to play professionally in Spain and in MLS.



The Colorado Rapids recently ended their 2012 season and will open preseason camp in mid-January of 2013. For more information on the team, or to purchase Season Tickets for the 2013 season, call 303-825-GOAL or visit www.ColoradoRapids.com.



TRANSACTION: Rapids acquire midfielder/forward Atiba Harris from the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for an international roster spot in the 2015 and 2016 MLS seasons.





Atiba Harris

Full Name: Atiba Harris

Number: TBD

Position: Midfielder/Forward

Born: January 9, 1985 - Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Citizenship: Saint Kitts and Nevis, USA

Height: 6’3”

Weight: 170 lbs

Last Team: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)



Acquired: Acquired by the Colorado Rapids on Monday, December 3, 2012 from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for an international roster spot.



Twitter: @AtibaHarris9 The Colorado Rapids announced on Monday that the club has acquired midfielder/forward Atiba Harris from the Vancouver Whitecaps, in exchange for an international roster spot. Harris, 27, is a seven year veteran of MLS, having scored 17 goals and added 19 assists in 138 matches (109 starts) with four different clubs.To acquire the Saint Kitts and Nevis international, the Rapids traded an international roster spot for the 2015 and 2016 seasons to Vancouver, an extension of the spot traded to the Whitecaps for allocation money prior to the 2012 season.“Atiba is a versatile, exciting attacking player who has a lot of experience for his age,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “He can play both wide midfield and attacking positions and his speed, skills and tenacity will give our team a boost in the attacking third. We’re excited to welcome him to the club.”Harris originally came to MLS in 2006, joining Real Salt Lake after youth stints in Europe with English club Newcastle United and Spanish side Cádiz. He played two seasons with RSL before joining Chivas USA in 2008, and then went to FC Dallas via trade late in 2009. Harris played a key role for Dallas in 2010, including starting against the Rapids in MLS Cup, before the Whitecaps selected the midfielder/forward in the 2011 Expansion Draft.A veteran and captain for the Saint Kitts and Nevis National Team, Harris is originally from Basseterre in the small island nation in the West Indies. He has played 27 matches for his country, including several in World Cup Qualifying in CONCACAF (the soccer region for North America, Central America and the Caribbean), scoring 10 goals. Harris was the first Kittian to play professionally in Spain and in MLS.The Colorado Rapids recently ended their 2012 season and will open preseason camp in mid-January of 2013. For more information on the team, or to purchase Season Tickets for the 2013 season, call 303-825-GOAL or visit www.ColoradoRapids.com.TRANSACTION: Rapids acquire midfielder/forward Atiba Harris from the Vancouver Whitecaps in exchange for an international roster spot in the 2015 and 2016 MLS seasons.Full Name: Atiba HarrisNumber: TBDPosition: Midfielder/ForwardBorn: January 9, 1985 - Basseterre, Saint Kitts and NevisHometown: Los Angeles, CACitizenship: Saint Kitts and Nevis, USAHeight: 6’3”Weight: 170 lbsLast Team: Vancouver Whitecaps FC (MLS)Acquired: Acquired by the Colorado Rapids on Monday, December 3, 2012 from Vancouver Whitecaps FC in exchange for an international roster spot.Twitter: @AtibaHarris9



