COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced today the club has loaned goalkeeper Marko Ilić to Sarpsborg 08 FFin the Eliteserien in Norway, until July 15th.
“Marko is a talented goalkeeper with a strong reputation particularly back in Europe. This move will provide him with the opportunity and game time he needs to regain his sharpness and return to the type of form that saw him break into the Serbian national team,” said Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor.
Ilić, 26, enters his second season with the Rapids after completing a permanent transfer in July 2023. Originally joining the club on loan from Belgian Pro League side KV Kortrijk in February 2023, Ilić spent the entirety of his career in Europe. He logged 71 appearances across all competitions during his three seasons with De Kerels, securing 16 clean sheets in that span.
A native of Novi Sad, Serbia, Ilić began his career with Serbia’s Vojvodina at age 17 before joining fellow Serbian SuperLiga side Voždovac in 2018. He made 61 appearances across all competitions and recorded 19 shutouts with Voždovac during his three seasons with the club.
On the international stage, Ilić represented Serbia in a friendly against Jamaica on June 7th, 2021. He has also featured for Serbia at the youth level, making appearances for the U-17, U-19, and U-21 sides.
Led by manager Stefan Billborn, Sarpsborg made it to the quarter finals in 2023. Sarpsborg 08 Fotballforening, founded in 2008, is based in Sarpsborg, Norway, and calls Sarpsborg Stadion its home ground. Current manager Stefan Billborn, Sarpsborg led the club to the quarterfinals of the Norwegian Football Cup in 2023.
TRANSACTION: The Colorado Rapids loaned goalkeeper Marko Ilić to Sarpsborg 08 FFin the Eliteserien until July 15th, on March 8, 2024.
