The Colorado Rapids selected two defenders Thursday in the MLS SuperDraft — and University of Denver standout goalkeeper Joe Willis was taken in the third round.
The MLS Cup champions Rapids selected Eddie Ababio of North Carolina with the 18th and final pick in the first round, then tabbed Michigan State’s Colin Givens at the end of the second. Colorado previously traded its third-round pick.
Ababio, a native of Ghana, appeared in three straight College Cup Final Fours with the Tar Heels, accumulating 13 goals and adding 12 assists in 89 games. Givens, who has dual U.S/Scottish citizenship, had one goal in 65 games with the Spartans and was a first-team all-Big Ten and second team all-region last season.
The Rapids open their season Mar. 19 vs. Portland at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.
D.C. United selected DU’s Willis with the 50th overall selection. He was an All-Mountain Pacific Sports Federation first team honoree as a junior and senior, completing his Pioneer career with 23 wins, including 15 shutouts, and an .802 save percentage. As a senior, Willis ranked fourth in the nation with an .877 save percentage.
