Revolution Complete Trade with Rapids

Send Larentowicz and Thompson to Colorado for Gibbs and Burpo

January 29, 2008

By Sean Donahue

Finally completing a deal that had been rumored since the 2010 MLS Superdraft two weeks ago, the New England Revolution sent midfielders Jeff Larentowicz and Wells Thompson to the Colorado Rapids for defender Cory Gibbs, goalkeeper Preston Burpo, allocation money, and a third round pick in next year’s Superdraft.

The trade addresses some major concerns for the Revolution heading into the 2010 season. Gibbs, a 30 year old former U.S. International, should provide needed experience to the young Revolution backline after the team lost Jay Heaps to retirement.

Gibbs can play in the center or on the left and is familiar with the New England area from his time at Brown University. Gibbs was the Rapids’ defender of the year in 2008, but he has struggled with knee injuries throughout his time in MLS. He has also played for teams in Holland, Germany, and England.

Burpo, a 37 year old goalkeeper, will fill in for regular starter Matt Reis as he is expected to miss the beginning of the season recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. Burpo has been in the league for 6 seasons, making 46 starts, including 11 last year.

Larentowicz, who had been the Revolution for his entire MLS career of five seasons and a regular starter for four, was out of contract and the Rapids will need to sign him to a new contract if he is to stay in MLS next season. Throughout his time on the Revs, Larentowicz proved a dangerous weapon for the team in his defensive midfielder role. In addition to his tough defense, Larentowicz provided a threat from set pieces and long distance shots and will be tough to replace.

Thompson has been an off and on starter for the Revs since joining the team as a rookie in 2006. The right midfielder struggled to find consistency throughout his time on the team, however, and only provided 2 goals and 3 assists over his 71 regular season games with the team.