COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have acquired attacking midfielder Nicolás Mezquida from the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, and $100,000 in Targeted Allocation Money, in exchange for goalkeeper Zac MacMath, the Rapids announced Sunday.
“We are thrilled to welcome Nicolás Mezquida to Colorado,” said Colorado Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager Pádraig Smith, in a news release. “He is a creative and dangerous playmaker who fits well into our playing philosophy of dominating ball possession and pressing high up the pitch.”
Mezquida, a Uruguay native, played as a youth with Uruguayan power Peñarol with loan spells to SK Brann and Lillestrøm SK.
After playing for Centro Atlético Fénix in 2012 and Rampla Juniors in 2013, Mezquida joined Major League Soccer in 2014. Mezquida, 26, has played with the Whitecaps for five seasons.
“I’m excited to take this next step in my career with the Rapids. I want to bring my qualities as a playmaker to Colorado and contribute to the team’s offense,” said Mezquida, in a news release.
MacMath, who joined the Rapids in 2015, made 31 appearances for the club.
“Zac is a top professional and has been an important part of our club over the last few years. His performances on the field and his commendable work in the community will not be forgotten,” said Smith, in a news release. “We would like to thank him for his contributions to the club since joining the Rapids in 2015 and wish him and his family all the best.”
