COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids have loaned goalkeeper Andre Rawls and defender Jeremy Kelly to USL Championship side Phoenix Rising FC for the duration of the 2021 season, the club announced today. Under the terms of the loan agreement, the Rapids retain the right to recall either player at any point during the remainder of the MLS regular season, subject to MLS roster compliance guidelines.
Rawls, 29, is entering his sixth professional season after being drafted by New York City FC in the third round of the 2015 MLS SuperDraft. Since then, Rawls has made 66 appearances in the USL Championship with the Wilmington Hammerheads, Orange County SC and Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Rawls joined Colorado ahead of the 2019 MLS season. A native of San Ramon, Calif., Rawls played three years of college soccer at Saint Mary’s College and was named West Coast Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in 2014.
Kelly, 23, is entering his second season as a professional. The North Carolina native joined the Rapids via trade after being selected ninth overall at the 2020 MLS SuperDraft and went on to record 246 minutes across eight regular season appearances for the club last year. Kelly was a four-year standout at the University of North Carolina, helping the Tar Heels to consecutive NCAA College Cup appearances.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids loan goalkeeper Andre Rawls and defender Jeremy Kelly to Phoenix Rising FC for the 2021 USL Championship season on March 24, 2021.
