COMMERCE CITY, CO (January 23, 2017) – The Colorado Rapids have signed veteran free agent Alan Gordon. The two sides have agreed to terms for the 2017 MLS season. Pending Gordon’s salary, this a great addition for the club.
Colorado Rapids Sign Alan Gordon: A Good Move Pending Salary
Gordon comes to Colorado after being with the LA Galaxy since 2014. He has 13 years of professional experience, the majority of it in MLS. He has made stops at the San Jose Earthquakes, Chivas USA and Toronto FC. Gordon made a name for himself in 2013 as part of the Goonies with the Quakes when they won the Supporter’s Shield. He has two MLS Cup rings (2005, 2014), both with the LA Galaxy.
“Alan is a proven goal-scorer who’s enjoyed a very successful and productive career in MLS,” Sporting Director Pádraig Smith said. “He adds a powerful dimension to our attacking core and to how we want to play as a team. We’re thrilled that Alan chose the Rapids and we look forward to welcoming him to the club.”
Gordon absolutely fits the mold of #KeepFighting and Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni’s hardhat and lunch pale philosophy. He’s a physical competitor, and is a rare over 30 years old energy guy. As previously explained, he’s going to be a great addition to the Rapids.
He fits a need in a bench offensive option. He can play ugly Route 1 soccer. He can motivate and mentor the young attackers on the squad. He won’t expect or demand to start, and he doesn’t need to.
The one question is his salary, which has not been released yet. He had a base salary of $170,000 last season. That’s a lot for a back up forward, even a veteran one. The Rapids are in a good place salary cap wise. Still, for a club that isn’t breaking the bank, they need to spend wisely. Gordon’s market value probably isn’t over $100,000.
As long as the Rapids didn’t overspend for him, this is one of their best moves of the off-season.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids – January 23, 2017 – Rapids sign free agent forward Alan Gordon to a one-year contract.
Full Name: Alan Gordon
Position: Forward
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 190
Birth Date: October 16, 1981
Birthplace: Long Beach, CA
Hometown: Long Beach, CA
