The Rapids on Friday announced the signing of MLS journeyman James Riley, a Colorado Springs native, and also waived defender John Neeskens and Grant Van De Casteele, both of whom had been with the team for a season, ahead of the season opener against the Philadelphia Union on Saturday.
Riley, 32, is beginning his 11th season in the league. He was drafted by the New England Revolution at No. 21 in 20005. He has played with the Revolution, San Jose Earthquakes, Seattle Sounders FC, Chivas USA, DC United and the L.A. Galaxy.
Neeskens, 21, appeared in five games, logging 273 minutes for the Rapids. He scored his only goal against the now disbanded Chivas USA.
Van De Casteele, 24, the 19th overall selection in the 2014 MLS SuperDraft, played in an Aug. 20 match against the Galaxy. He played in college for Notre Dame and helped lead the Irish to the 2013 NCAA Championship.
The waivers were a precursor to adding Riley to the full roster. Riley joined training camp in Tuscon in late February. Neeskans and Van De Casteele were not present at training this week.
Daniel Boniface: dboniface@denverpost.com or
