Colorado Rapids have acquired veteran midfielder/defender Ivan Guerrero in a trade with D.C. United, the club announced today. The Rapids also received a Designated Player roster spot and D.C. United's natural second round 2010 SuperDraft pick.

In exchange, Colorado sent midfielder Christian Gomez, goalkeeper Mike Graczyk, an international roster spot and salary cap considerations to D.C. United.

"I think that this is a trade that is most beneficial to both parties," said Rapids head coach Gary Smith. "I believe Christian will be delighted to return to D.C. United, where he is comfortable and had some success in the past, and both I and our entire staff wish him all the best. In return, we get some much-needed support and strength in a left-sided player like Ivan Guerrero, whose international and MLS experience is tremendous."

A four-year MLS veteran, Guerrero played his first three seasons with the Chicago Fire. He was named to the MLS All-Star team and earned Fire MVP and team Defender of the Year honors following an impressive rookie season in 2005.

Guerrero was then selected by San Jose in the sixth round of the 2007 MLS Expansion Draft and went on to play in 14 games with the Earthquakes last season before being acquired by D.C. United in July and appearing in 13 more matches with the club. For his career, Guerrero has played in 101 games with 97 starts and has recorded four goals and 20 assists in 8,493 minutes. Guerrero is currently training with the Honduran National Team in preparation for their World Cup Qualifier against Costa Rica on February 11.

Gomez returns to D.C. United, where he spent the first four years of his MLS career. In his one season in Colorado, he appeared in 20 games and registered three goals and six assists.