Honolulu, Hawaii - Newly signed Argentinian midfielder Martin Rivero has received his passport back from the U.S. Embassy, complete with new visa which allows him to come play in the United States. However he won't be joining the team during the stay in Hawaii.
"We've decided to have Martin meet us in Denver," coach Oscar Pareja said. "The wear of the long trip from Buenos Aires, to Houston, and then to Hawaii, knowing that it would be tough for him to participate in the games, we thought it best to have him go straight to Denver. He'll be able to take his physicals and begin adapting. I know he really wanted to come here, but I think for his health and physically, it will be better if he goes straight to Colorado."
The Rapids signed the 22-year-old late last week. However his passport with work visa did not arrive with enough time to fly out earlier. With the U.S. Embassy closed in observance of President's Day on Monday, Pareja said it pushed his potential departure from Argentina even further in the week. Rivero is now scheduled to leave Buenos Aires, Agentina Sunday evening and arrive in Colorado Monday morning.
