RAPIDS PICK UP BILLY SLEETH IN MLS WAIVER DRAFT

Former Chicago Fire Defender/Midfielder to Join Club in Preparation for 2003

DENVER (Wednesday, November 6, 2002) - The Colorado Rapids announced today the addition of University of Washington and 2002 Chicago Fire product Billy Sleeth to the 18-man roster. The move comes following Tuesday's placement of goalkeeper David Kramer, defender Rick Titus, midfielder Raul Palacios, and forward Musa Shannon on waivers.

Sleeth, 23, was drafted by the Chicago Fire with the 10th overall selection in the first round of the 2002 MLS SuperDraft and registered one assist on the season in 13 games played. The versatile defender/midfielder appeareared on the right side of the defense and midfield.

"We've had Billy on our radar since before the 2002 MLS Draft in February, so we are very familiar with him as a player, " said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Tim Hankinson.

"He is versatile, strong, and young, and he will certainly be a candidate for a starting spot at right back once we get into training camp. We need to find more young guys who can grow and develop into roles on the team, and Billy is a great example of that type player. There were other interesting names in the waiver draft, but Sleeth was clearly the best fit."

A native of Spokane, Washington, Sleeth was a four-year standout at the University of Washington before joining the Seattle Sounders (A-League) select squad in 2001. There, he posted three goals and one assist in helping to lead the club to a 15-5-0 mark, including an upset victory over the Dallas Burn in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup tournament. Sleeth was also a member of the United Soccer Leagues (USL) Select Team that toured Portugal in December 2001, finishing with a successful 2-1-2 record against the Portugal's Under-20 National Team and several strong Second Division B sides.

"I'm am really excited for this new opportunity with the Rapids," said Sleeth.

"Obviously a waiver early in your career is not the way you want to start out, but I think this will turn into a great opportunity for me. I feel comfortable joining this team and I am excited to get the chance to play with these guys."

Sleeth joins the Rapids following Tuesday's placement of four players on waivers ahead of Wednesday's Major League Soccer Waiver Draft. In adding Sleeth, the Rapids used the No. 8 pick in the Waiver Draft. The Draft selection order was based on the original order of the 2003 SuperDraft, which takes into consideration each team's record during the 2002 season and how far each club advanced in the 2002 MLS Cup Playoffs.

Billy Sleeth		POSITION -  Defender / Midfielder
HEIGHT - 5'11 		WEIGHT - 170 			
DATE OF BIRTH - October 23, 1979		PLACE OF BIRTH - Spokane,
Washington 	
HOMETOWN - Spokane, Washington		CITIZENSHIP - USA

COLLEGE - University of Washington		HOW ACQUIRED - MLS Waiver
Draft, November 2002


TRANSACTION LINE: Colorado Rapids add defender/midfielder Billy Sleeth
through MLS Waiver Draft.

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