RAPIDS LOAD UP FOR PLAYOFF RUN WITH ACQUISITION OF VETERAN DEFENDER DAVID VAUDREUIL

DENVER (Friday, August 14, 1998) - The Colorado Rapids today acquired defender David Vaudreuil (pronounced VAW-drill) from the Miami Fusion in exchange for 1998 college draft selections Tyrone Marshall and Jason Boyce.

Vaudreuil, 31, is the starting left defender for Miami, but can also play at the right defender position. Prior to joining the expansion Fusion in the offseason as their top pick in the 1998 Expansion Draft, Vaudreuil spent two seasons with D.C. United, as an integral part of the team that won Major League Soccer's first two championships. Vaudreuil was the starting right defender when United defeated the Rapids in MLS Cup '97, and recorded an assist on D.C.'s first goal, scored by Jaime Moreno. He was also named the top right defender in MLS last season by Soccer America magazine.

Rapids coach Glenn "Mooch" Myernick said that the acquisition of the experienced defender is designed to bolster the team for the post-season.

"While you do have to keep an eye on the future, our first priority is now. This move was made because it makes us a better team today. In addition, we are adding a player who knows how to win and what it takes to win a championship. That is exactly what we are looking for at this time of the season," said Myernick.

While known for his defensive prowess, the Honolulu, Hawaii, native also is known for being very solid on the ball and able to go forward into attack. Myernick and the Rapids witnessed this ability first hand on May 2 of this year, when Vaudreuil scored two goals to lead the Fusion to a 3-2 win over the Rapids at Lockhart Stadium.

Marshall, 23, was the Rapids' 1998 first-round college selection out of Florida International University. The forward had appeared in only one game for the Rapids this season, coming off the bench to play 17 minutes in a 2-1 win over the New England Revolution on July 11, at Mile High Stadium.

Boyce, 22, was the Rapids' 1998 second-round college selection out of the University of Washington. The midfielder/forward has appeared in ten games for the Rapids in 1998, starting three. He has recorded two assists on the season.

COLORADO RAPIDS (MLS): Acquired defender David Vaudreuil from the Miami Fusion in exchange for forward Tyrone Marshall and midfielder Jason Boyce.

Height:	5'7"
Weight:	158
Born:	December 12, 1966 in Honolulu, HI
Hometown:	Canton, CT
College:	Princeton University
Professional Experience:
1998	Miami Fusion		(MLS)
1996-7	D.C. United		(MLS)
1995-6	Hampton Roads Mariners	(USISL)
1994-5	Milwaukee Wave		(NPSL)
1992-95	New York Centaurs	(APSL/A-League)
1994	F.C. Puebla		(Mexico indoor)
1993	Tampa Bay Rowdies	(APSL)
1989-91	Baltimore Blast		(MISL)
1989	Washington Stars	(ASL)

MLS STATISTICS:

YEAR		GP	GS	MIN	G	A	PTS	SHT	SOG	FC	FS
1998		20	19	1690	3	2	8	20	11	24	24
1997(DC)	25	19	1789	0	2	2	4	3	21	17
1996(DC)	14	13	1144	0	1	1	4	3	12	4

MLS PLAYOFF STATISTICS:
YEAR	GP	GS	MIN	G	A	PTS	SHT	SOG	FC	FS
1996	4	1	121	0	0	0	0	0	2	3
1997	5	5	448	0	5	5	1	0	7	4

PERSONAL: Nicknamed "Vaud"... Born in Hawaii, but raised in Connecticut .. Fluent in Spanish, thanks to his mother's Mexican heritage and one year with F.C. Puebla in the Mexican First Division indoor league in 1994.

Position: Forward
Ht: 6' 2"  
Wt: 180 lbs.
Born: November 12, 1974, in Kingston, Jamaica
Hometown: Lauderhill, Florida
Citizenship: USA    
College: Florida International University
Joined Rapids:  1st round 1998 College Draft

MLS STATISTICS:

YEAR	GP	GS	MIN	G	A	PTS	SHT	SOG	FC	FS
1998	1	0	17	0	0	0	0	0	2	0

Position: Forward
Ht: 5'7" 
Wt: 150 lbs.  
Born:  Oct. 14, 1975, in Hollywood, California
Hometown: Newport Beach, California
Citizenship: USA
College: University of Washington
Joined Rapids: 2nd round -- 1998 College Draft

MLS STATISTICS:

YEAR	GP	GS	MIN	G	A	PTS	SHT	SOG	FC	FS
1998	10	3	274	0	2	2	5	2	3	9

"He first caught my eye when I was with the Olympic team in 1996 and he was starting out with United. He had a great work ethic and a very good sense of how to play multiple positions."

"We have not had very good success this season at times in denying goals and especially playing out of the back from the outside defender positions. David is a player that has proven he can do both of those from either side."

"Vaudreuil gives us tremendous options at the outside back position because of his ability to play on either side. Where he plays will depend on the opponent and where I feel he can best help us on a given night."

"He is very comfortable on the ball and makes very good decisions. He will help us keep possession and improve our build up out of the defense. He is very adept at going forward when the opportunity presents itself, but that is not why we are bringing him here. Any goals he scores are just a bonus."

"This move was made to cement our position in the playoffs and make us a formidable side heading into the post-season. Adding proven experience at such a critical time in the season is something that we are very happy to have done."

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With Balboa

With Bravo

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