The Colorado Rapids have traded midfielder Micheal Azira to the Montreal Impact “in exchange for a fourth round pick in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft,” according to an official announcement made by the club Wednesday afternoon.
The news breaks seven days after the Rapids loaned Azira to USL’s Colorado Springs Switchbacks. The Ugandan native made one appearance for the second division side (started in a 2-0 win against Oklahoma City Energy).
The midfielder never seemed capable of passing Jack Price and Danny Wilson on Colorado’s depth chart at his position. Azira only made five league appearances for the Rapids in the 2018 MLS season, tallying a mere 275 minutes of playing time.
“I know our fans will always be appreciative of his pivotal role in the club’s 2016 play-off run, General Manager Pádraig Smith said of Azira, “We wish him nothing but success in this next stage of his career.”
This move indicates that Colorado might not be finished with deadline day moves. According to data from the MLS Player’s Association, Azira was being paid a salary of $131,625.00. With the Rapids starved for salary cap space, the club likely felt necessary to move on a player who was not getting consistent minutes.
Image Credit: Colorado Rapids