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With the second pick overall, the Rapids selected Nigerian-born forward Jean Harbor, who scored 66 goals and added 42 assists during five seasons in the American Professional Soccer League, making him the top scorer all-time in American Pro leagues. The next six rounds saw the Rapids' selection committee -- Head Coach Bobby Houghton, General Manager Richard A. Levine, President Robert Sanderman and Vice President Dean Linke -- use the Rapids' picks on defensive players Denis Hamlett, Steve Trittschuh, Brian Bates, Troy Edwards, Scott Carmon, and Matt Kmosko. Colorado's final choice of the Inaugural Player Draft's first day was forward Scott Benedetti, the APSL's fifth all-time leading scorer.
"I'm very pleased with the draft," said Houghton. "Following the offensive firepower we received during our player allocations, our intent during the draft was to balance the field by building our defense. With Hamlett, Trittschuh, and Edwards, we have three of the best American defenders to play the game. Bates, Cannon, and Kmosko are young athletes who can play both defense and midfield. We were extremely successful."
"Coach Houghton has put together a championship contender for Colorado," said Levine. "Our draft was the best in the league, and we will use out success today to establish the precedent of soccer excellence in Denver, in Colorado, and in the Rocky Mountain region."
The final eight rounds will begin tomorrow at 8 a.m. Media are welcome to attend.