Bobby Burling is staying put.
The Rapids bolstered their back line Wednesday by re-signing the 6-foot-5 central defender, the club announced.
“For state, club and country. Happy to be staying at home with the Colorado Rapids,” Burling posted in a tweet with a photo of American and Rapids flags flapping in a snowy forest.
Burling, 31, grew up in Monument and graduated from Lewis-Palmer High School. After having his contract option declined by Colorado at the end of 2015, Burling became a member of MLS’s first class of free agents.
Wednesday’s transaction was the first MLS free-agent signing in Rapids history. Burling earned $140,000 last season, according to . Terms of his new deal were not disclosed.
The Rapids have had two players from their 2015 team sign free-agent deals elsewhere: Drew Moor with Toronto last month and Michael Harrington with Chicago this week.
“Bobby is a tremendously popular player in the group, adding leadership and experience,” Rapids vice president of soccer operations Paul Bravo said in a posting on the team’s website. “He was a key member of the squad last season, and we are delighted to have him back.”
Last year, Burling started 22 games for the Rapids and scored two goals. He has appeared in 141 games (127 starts) with the Rapids, Chivas USA and San Jose Earthquakes during his 10-year MLS career.
Daniel Boniface: 303-954-1104, dboniface@denverpost.com or @danielboniface
