TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Trade
After completing the deal just before the MLS Primary Transfer Window closed late Tuesday night, the Colorado Rapids and Minnesota United FC announced on Wednesday a trade that sends winger Sam Nicholson and an international roster spot to the Rapids in exchange for defender Eric Miller and $50,000 in General Allocation Money.
Nicholson, 23, has scored two goals and two assists in 20 matches (14 starts) since arriving in Minnesota from Scottish side Heart of Midlothian last summer and appeared in all eight of the Loons’ MLS matches this year.
Miller, 25, made 30 starts for Colorado last season and has 86 career MLS appearances under his belt, but has yet to see match action in 2018 under new head coach Anthony Hudson.
“We’re very pleased to add another key element to our attack,” said Rapids Executive VP and GM Padraig Smith in a club release. “Sam is a high-intensity player who looks to break lines and get forward. He also has a very high soccer IQ, fits our system very well, and will be a quality addition to our locker room. We look forward to welcoming him to Colorado.”
The trade, originally reported by MLSsoccer.com's Paul Tenorio, represents a homecoming for Miller, a native of Woodbury, Minnesota, as well as a chance at regular playing time with MNUFC fullbacks Marc Burch and Tyrone Mears injured at the moment.
“We wish Sam all the best in Colorado and thank him for his contributions to the club,” said Loons sporting director Manny Lagos in a release. “Adding a quality, versatile defender like Eric right now is important. We look forward to building on key areas of our roster moving forward and this allows us to do just that.”
