COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, February 22, 2013) – The Colorado Rapids have re-signed midfielder Jaime Castrillón, the club’s leading scorer during the 2012 season with eight goals, restructuring the players’ deal for the 2013 season. Castrillón will soon undergo knee surgery for a condition which was diagnosed following the 2012 season.
“Jaime made great contributions to our club in the 2012 season, and we wanted to make sure he got the medical care he needs for his knee,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We decided that even if Jaime is unable to play for the next several months, it was important for his career and his future to get treatment for his knee, and that re-signing the player for 2013 was the right thing to do.”
Castrillón, 29, joined the Rapids ahead of the 2012 season and immediately made an impact for the club, playing 30 matches (29 starts), with eight goals and four assists. The Colombian had long been a standout for Independiente Medellín in his native country before coming to MLS, and has also earned 29 caps for his national team.
Following the 2012 season, doctors found a condition in Castrillón’s right knee, and his contract option for 2013 was not exercised as he received additional medical information. The Rapids recently restructured Castrillón’s deal to bring him back for 2013, and his expected time out due to knee surgery is approximately 4-5 months.
The Rapids are in California this week to play their final preseason matches, coming on Friday in Santa Barbara. Colorado opens the 2013 regular season on March 2 at FC Dallas, then returns home on March 9 for the home opener against the Philadelphia Union.
