The Colorado Rapids acquired the rights to midfielder Jeff Larentowicz and midfielder Wells Thompson in a trade with the New England Revolution, the club announced today.
In exchange, Colorado sent goalkeeper Preston Burpo, defender Cory Gibbs, allocation money and their natural third round 2011 MLS SuperDraft pick to New England.
Following the acquisition of Larentowicz's rights, the Rapids agreed to terms on a new contract with him, officially adding the five-year veteran to their roster.
Larentowicz has established himself as one of the league's premier talents in the midfield. In five seasons with New England, he had climbed into ninth place on the Revolution's all-time games started list (103) and minutes played list (9,305). Originally selected by the Revolution in the fourth round, 45th overall, in the 2005 MLS Supplemental Draft from Brown, Larentowicz has played in 111 career games and recorded nine goals and nine assists.
A three-year veteran, Thompson has played his entire MLS career with New England after originally being selected by the Revolution in the first round, fifth overall, of the 2007 MLS SuperDraft from Wake Forest. He has appeared in 71 games, with 36 starts, scoring two goals and registering three assists. Thompson's game-winning goal in the final of the 2007 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup gave the Revs their first cup championship in club history.