Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the acquisition of attacking midfielder Sam Nicholson from Minnesota United FC as well as an international roster spot in exchange for defender Eric Miller and $50,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM).
“We’re very pleased to add another key element to our attack,” said Rapids Executive Vice President and General Manager, Padraig Smith. “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.”
Nicholson, 23, a native of Edinburgh, Scotland, came up through the youth ranks at Scottish power Heart of Midlothian. After joining the senior team at the beginning of the 2013–14 season, Nicholson played a major role in helping the club earn promotion to the Premiership the following year, scoring a career-high five goals, along with six assists.
Nicholson played nearly every match in the club’s return to the Scottish top flight, helping to orchestrate a third-place finish and a spot in the Europa League during the 2014-15 season. In total, Nicholson would go on to make 127 appearances for Hearts, tallying 16 goals along the way.
After signing with Minnesota United FC in July of last year, Nicholson made his Major League Soccer debut for the Loons on July 22 versus New York Red Bulls and scored his first goal on September 30 at Houston Dynamo. In 2018, Nicholson has featured in every match for Minnesota, with six of those coming from the start.
In addition to his club career, Nicholson has featured for Scotland’s youth national teams at both the U-19 and U-21 levels, and took part in the U-21 squad’s European Championship qualification campaign.
Miller, a Minnesota native who joined the Rapids from Montreal in 2016, made 60 appearances for the club scoring one goal.
“As an organization, we’re very thankful to Eric for both his professionalism and for what he’s been able to accomplish during his time here in Colorado,” said Smith. “We wish him nothing but the best in this next chapter of his career.”
Transaction: Colorado Rapids have acquired attacking midfielder Sam Nicholson as well as an international roster spot in exchange for defender Eric Miller and $50,000 in GAM.
Full name: Sam Nicholson
Position: Midfielder
Born: 1/20/1995 (23 years old)
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 157 lbs
Last Club: Minnesota United FC
Hometown: Edinburgh, Scotland
Birthplace: Edinburgh, Scotland
