COMMERCE CITY, CO. – The Colorado Rapids announced that the club has added former Southern Methodist University midfielder Bruno Guarda after winning a league lottery for the right yesterday. Per club and league policies terms were not disclosed.Following his signing with Major League Soccer, Guarda waited to be assigned to his new club via the league’s lottery system. With 12 MLS sides jockeying for his services, the Rapids stood at an eight percent chance of landing the two-time Conference USA Player of the Year.

“Bruno is a skillful, creative midfielder who comes to us with a very impressive resume,” said Head Coach Fernando Clavijo. “As a team, we were fortunate to win this lottery for such a talented, technical player.”

Guarda established himself as one of the nation’s best collegiate players during his time at SMU finishing his three-year career (2005-2007) with the Mustangs scoring 15 goals and recording 17 assists in 63 games. The Brazilian was also a semifinalist for the Hermann Trophy in both 2006 and 2007.

Guarda will take the roster spot of goalkeeper Justin Hughes, who was placed on the Rapids’ season ending injury list after undergoing successful surgery to his right shoulder.

Bruno Guarda – Midfielder
Height: 5’8″
Weight: 156
DOB: Feb. 6, 1986
Hometown: Piraciaba, Brazil
Status: Developmental Roster

Transaction
MLS
Colorado Rapids – Add midfielder Bruno Guarda and place goalkeeper Justin Hughes on the season ending injury list.