Rapids News 2012: Colorado Going After 2 International Transfers

The Colorado Rapids are trying to add two international players, including Mor Diouf, who is a defender currently playing in the South African premier league. They've already made one offer to Diouf's club, according to reports out of Africa:

A South African newspaper reported the Rapids offered 3 million rands (about $363,000) as a transfer fee for Diouf, but Maritzburg turned it down. Negotiations are ongoing, Pareja said. Diouf was also drawing interest from the Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns, according to the paper.

Related: Rapids Vs. Sounders Recap: Rapids Fail To Gain Ground In Standings

The Rapids are also attempting to add a player from Ecuador but won't reveal his name while negotiations are ongoing. The player in question is a member of the Ecuadorian national team and can play in the central midfield or at center back, according to Colorado coach Oscar Pareja.

For more news and notes, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. More news on the Colorado Rapids can be found over at Burgundy Wave. For comprehensive soccer coverage, visit SB Nation's soccer news hub.

Rapids Vs. Sounders Recap: Rapids Fail To Gain Ground In Standings

If the MLS playoffs started today, the Colorado Rapids would be the last team in the Western Conference to grab a spot. But as the season progresses, their chances of moving up from that spot are dwindling more and more. The Rapids are stuck at 22 points after their 2-1 loss to Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday night, and though they're still in fifth in the West, they're now only two points ahead of the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chivas USA, who are tied for sixth. Meanwhile, Colorado is eight points behind the Vancouver Whitecaps, who are in fourth.

In Saturday night's match, the Sounders netted two second-half goals that proved to be too much for the Rapids. The first came from Alvaro Fernandez in the 52nd minute, and the second was from Eddie Johnson, who put one past Colorado keeper Matt Pickens 12 minutes later. Colorado's Omar Cummings got the Rapids on the board in the 89th minute, but his team could not find the equalizer.

Despite the Rapids controlling possession 55-45, Seattle's attack was still much stronger. The Sounders outshot the Rapids 14-6, and doubled their shots on goal by a count of 6-3. They also secured 10 corner kicks, compared to Colorado's four.

The Rapids are off until next Saturday, July 14, when they host FC Dallas.

For more news and notes, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. More news on the Colorado Rapids can be found over at Burgundy Wave, and Seattle Sounders analysis is available at Sounder At Heart. For comprehensive soccer coverage, visit SB Nation's soccer news hub.

Rapids Vs. Sounders: Colorado Hopes To Extend Seattle's Winless Streak On Saturday

The Colorado Rapids take on the Seattle Sounders FC squad in a nationally televised match (9:00 MST on the NBC Sports Network) on Saturday night.