Rapids select Eric Avila in MLS Re-Entry Draft

The Colorado Rapids have selected midfielder Eric Avila from Toronto FC with the sixth pick of the 2012 MLS Re-Entry Draft. Originally a second round pick of FC Dallas in the 2008 MLS Superdraft, Avila spent four seasons there before being traded to Toronto in 2011. Avila appeared in 24 games and started 16 for Toronto FC this past season, scoring one goal and registering three assists.

Avila was selected in the second stage of the MLS Re-Entry Draft. MLSSoccer.com has a fairly simple explanation for the circumstances under which a player may be selected:

In Stage Two, clubs may select from players that are under contract and those not under contract. If a player is not under contract, the drafting club will be required to make a genuine offer to the player within seven days. In the event that an agreement cannot be reached between the drafting club and an out-of-contract player, the drafting club will hold the right of first refusal for that player in MLS.

In 2012, the Rapids finished in seventh in the Western Conference, six points clear of the last playoff spot. It was the first time in three years that they did not make the playoffs, and only two years removed from winning the 2010 MLS championship.

The next offseason event is the MLS Superdraft, which will occur on Jan. 17.