The Rapids had a new face in practice on Saturday, with Ghanaian midfielder Reuben Ayarna joining the team’s preseason camp. Ayarna, 28, has been in Sweden for five years, playing for GAIS from 2008-2012 and with BK Hacken in 2013. Originally from Accra, Ghana, Ayarna attended Boston College for three years, from 2005-2008.
Ayarna is currently out-of-contract after his season at Hacken, and the defensive midfielder decided to come back to the U.S. to explore his options.
“I’m here just trying something different,” said the midfielder. “I’ve been playing in Sweden for five years so I was looking for a change. I was considering interest from here and my agent called me about Colorado I was like, 'okay, I’ll give it a tryout and see where it goes.' I’m happy to be here. So far so good.”
After a 10-hour flight on Friday, Ayarna arrived in Houston and met the team at the hotel. He’ll be thrown right into action in a match against the Dynamo on Sunday. Despite having just met so many new faces, Ayarna expects to be fine in the game.
“I’ve been in that situation before and I think the most important thing is the tactics of the coaches,” said Ayarna. “I don’t really have to know all the names, at least if I can just communicate right, left, or if somebody can communicate with me, left, right, I think we’ll be good.”
