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Colorado Rapids Loan Defender Mike da Fone to USL Side Phoenix Rising

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COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (February 10, 2018) – The Colorado Rapids loan defender Mike da Fonte to USL side Phoenix Rising FC, the club announced today. Da Fonte joined the MLS club last season.

Colorado Rapids Loan Defender Mike da Fone to Phoenix Rising FC

Mike da Fonte is originally from Ossining, NY. The 26-year-old played college soccer at University of Rio Grande. In 2015, he signed with USL MLS2 side New York Red Bulls II. He made 25 appearances with the club. After that, he joined Sacramento Republic FC (also of the USL) in 2016. He appeared in 19 games, scoring four goals.

A mostly right back (but can also play center back), Da Fonte joined the Colorado Rapids last season on a two year contract. He made his MLS debut on May 20, 2017 in a match at Philadelphia Union. In the 2017 MLS season, he made 14 starts and 17 appearances.

Da Fonte was a bit of a disappointment for the club however. He had trouble adjusting to the game at the MLS level. He collected a good share of yellow cards in 2017 (five in 1223 minutes of play) and had trouble with one-on-one defending.

What it means:

This seems to be good for all parties. Given the additions the Rapids have made in defense, Da Fonte would not be playing much. This move clears a roster spot and some salary for the Rapids to bring on a younger player if they want. It gives Da Fonte a chance to play back in USL, where he is very familiar.

He only signed a two-year contract last year, so this probably ends his relationship with the Commerce City club. He’ll get a chance to impress Phoenix and earn a contact in the USL for 2019. Worst case scenario for the Rapids, they can recall him of they need an extra body.

TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids (MLS) – February 10, 2018 – Rapids loan defender Mike da Fonte to Phoenix Rising FC (USL).

Full Name: Mike da Fonte
Position: Defender
Height: 6’
Weight: 170
Birth Date: April 18, 1991
Birthplace: Ossining, NY
Hometown: Ossining, NY

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