COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Friday, January 6, 2012) – The Colorado Rapids announced on Friday that the team has signed Hunter Freeman, a veteran of five MLS seasons as well as two years in the top division in Norway, after selecting the versatile defender in December’s MLS Re-Entry Draft. Freeman was originally selected by the Rapids as the seventh overall pick in the 2005 MLS SuperDraft, playing 47 regular season games for Colorado in 2005 and 2006.
Per league and team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
“Hunter’s versatility and experience make him a great addition to the squad ahead of the season,” said Technical Director Paul Bravo. “He’s played for the Rapids before and has played at a high level in MLS and abroad since then. We’re excited to welcome him back to the club.”
A Texas native, Freeman played college soccer at the University of Virginia from 2002-2004, leading the nation with 21 assists during his junior season. After his first two MLS seasons with the Rapids, Freeman was traded to the New York Red Bulls, playing with the team until he joined Toronto FC in 2008. He then joined IK Start in Norway, playing two seasons before returning to MLS in 2011 with the Houston Dynamo. Freeman, who can play left or right back as well as in the midfield, has made a total of 107 appearances (92 starts), scoring two goals and adding six assists.
Freeman was selected by the Rapids in Stage Two of the 2011 MLS Re-Entry Draft on December 12, 2011, with Colorado at that time also acquiring the rights to Baggio Husidic, who opted not to sign a contract with MLS. The defender is the first signing for the Rapids since the end of the 2011 season, and the first player to join the club under new Head Coach Oscar Pareja. Colorado also holds the 14th overall selection in the 2012 MLS SuperDraft, which will be held on Thursday, January 12 in Kansas City.
Hunter Freeman
Full Name: Hunter Freeman
Number: TBD
Position: Defender
Born: January 8, 1985, Tyler, Texas
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Citizenship: USA
Height: 5’11”
Weight: 170 lbs
Last Team: Houston Dynamo (MLS)
