The Rapids on Friday re-signed forward Andre Akpan and midfielder Jamie Smith — who assisted on Conor Casey’s game-tying goal in the MLS Cup championship — to new contracts.
Smith has appeared in 26 games with the Rapids since being acquired in July 2009, with one goal and nine assists. He led the team last season with eight assists.
Akpan was Colorado’s top selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft (second round, 22nd overall) and appeared in one game in his rookie campaign. He also played in two U.S. Open Cup qualifiers for the Rapids and spent loan periods with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Real Maryland last year.
The Rapids begin the defense of their Cup title and open their 16th MLS season against the expansion Portland Timbers at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Saturday, March 19, at 7 p.m.
AFA, CSU on road in Challenge games.
Even though the current college men’s basketball season is only halfway done, the Mountain West and Missouri Valley conferences have set the matchups for next season’s MWC/MVC Challenge.
Air Force and Colorado State will head to Iowa on Dec. 3. The Falcons play Drake and CSU takes on Northern Iowa.
Wyoming gets a home game, vs. Bradley, also on Dec. 3.
