INAUGURAL MLS PLAYER DRAFT COMPLETE;

Joining U.S. National Team veterans Roy Wegerle, Dominic Kinnear and captain Marcelo Balboa and South African center forward Shaun Bartlett, are six Americans and two international players. Following the selection of Butterworth, a central defender who spent 13 seasons with Coventry City, Nottingham Forest, and Norwich City, the Rapids Selected midfielder Felipe Rodriguez, 6-foot-4, 195-pound forward Lance Hill, midfielders Eric Puls and Josh McKay, Moroccan 1994 World Cup goalkeeper Khalil Azmi, and midfielders Brian Hurley and Joel Shanker.

"I am pleased with the ~athletic ability of the young players we drafted today," said Rapids Head Coach Bobby Houghton, who felt that the Rapids fared extremely well during the first eight rounds, held Tuesday in New York City. "Every one of these players will have the chance to play along with and learn from many of the best players in the world, such as Balboa, Wegerle, Bartlett, Butterworth, and (Rapids first-round draft pick . Jean) Harbor."

Following the selection of Harbor, who scored 66 goals and added 42 assists in five APSL seasons to become the top all-time scorer in American leagues, the Rapids drafted six defenders -- Denis Hamlett, Steve Trittschuh, Brian Bates, Troy Edwards, Scott Cannon and Matt Kmosko. Colorado closed out their Tuesday selections with veteran forward Scott Benedetti.

Major League Soccer will hold a draft for 80-plus eligible collegiate players in early March. In addition, two supplemental drafts will be held in mid-March and mid-May for late signees. MLS will also conduct a Brazilian tryout in early March as part of a plan that calls for the 10 Major League Soccer teams to bring in top Brazilian talent to its squads.

The Rapids will open training camp March 1 with 25 players. Final roster cuts will be made March 31. Colorado opens the inaugural MLS season April 13 at Kansas City before returning to Denver for the home opener at Mile High Stadium April 21 against the Dallas Burn.