RAPIDS SIGN JAMAICAN INTERNATIONAL TO SQUAD

Dawes helps the Rapids form a "Jamaican Triangle" on defense

DENVER (Thursday, April 19, 2001) - The Colorado Rapids signed 26-year-old Jamaican National Team midfielder/defender Christopher Dawes to an MLS contract today. Dawes joins Jamaican-born Rapids defenders Robin Fraser and Steve Herdsman, forming a "Jamaican Triangle" on defense.

"We are happy to announce the addition of Christopher Dawes who is a part of Jamaica's best-11 on their World Cup team," said head coach Tim Hankinson. "He played a couple of games with us in Ft. Lauderdale in the preseason. We like his experience and composure on the ball. He's very athletic and has good passing technique."

Most recently, Dawes played for Galaxy FC in Maple, Clarington, Jamaica and has six years of experience with the Jamaican National Team. He played in the midfield and as a sweeper for both teams.

"I look forward to the opportunity to show people about Jamaican football, and to show the young players in Jamaica that there is an opportunity (for them)," said Dawes. "I want to be an ambassador for Jamaica."

"Dawes is another piece of the puzzle that the Rapids' coaching staff is working on to help make the team a MLS Cup contender," said Rapids GM Dan Counce.

Hankinson sees Dawes fitting into the middle of the Rapids' midfield.

"Chris, athletically, is going to help us be stronger in the midfield, winning the ball earlier, which is an area of concern so far this season. You need a strong presence in the defensive midfield when you play against attacking, active players like a Tab Ramos, Cienfuegos, Nowak, or Dema Kovalenko. We need a player that can close those situations down quickly, and this is Chris' strength."

The Rapids acquired Dawes from the MetroStars in exchange for a second round draft pick in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft. The MetroStars signed Dawes with the preliminary condition that upon signing they would trade him to the Rapids for the second round draft pick.

"We still have an allocation to use if needed, so it's like an ace up our sleeve," said Hankinson.

To make room on the roster, the Rapids were forced to waive Keyeno Thomas.

Christopher Dawes, #2

Position: 	Defender/Midfielder 
Height:		5'11"
Weight:		160 lbs.
Birthdate:	May 31, 1974
Hometown:	Kingston, Jamaica
Citizenship: 	Jamaican
How acquired: 	Trade with MetroStars for a second round draft pick in the
2002 MLS SuperDraft

Click Here to Return to COLORADO RAPIDS News Releases Home Page

Click Here to Return to COLORADO RAPIDS HOME PAGE