COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (Tuesday, February 18, 2014) – The Colorado Rapids announced today that the club has signed goalkeeper John Berner, who was selected by the team with the 35th overall selection (second round) of the 2014 MLS SuperDraft. Per league and team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
“John is a talented young goalkeeper with a great deal of potential,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We were thrilled to be able to pick up a goalkeeper of his quality in the SuperDraft, and since then he has impressed our staff with both his skill and willingness to learn. He has played well in our recent practices and matches, and we’re happy to officially add him to our squad.”
“I would like to thank the coaching staff and entire Colorado Rapids organization for this amazing opportunity,” said Berner. “I'd also like to thank Nicco Roffo, Global Premiere management and my old coach Brian Jones for helping me get to this point in my career. I look forward to taking this next step with the Rapids and can’t wait for the upcoming season.”
Before coming to Colorado, Berner earned a starting role in his final two years at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, posting 10 shutouts over the 2012 and 2013 seasons. He was named Missouri Valley Conference Goalkeeper of the Year in both seasons, and in 2013 led an SIUE defense that allowed the second fewest goals (17) in the league. He played the full 90 minutes and kept a clean sheet for the Rapids in preseason action against UNLV on February 14, and also did not concede any goals in 30 minutes vs. the Houston Dynamo on February 2.
