Goalkeeper Zach Thornton has joined the Colorado Rapids after that club secured his services in a trade with the Chicago Fire. In exchange, the Fire received a conditional pick in the 2008 MLS Supplemental Draft.
The move brings to a close Thornton's second stint with the Fire, the club for which all but six of his 221 career appearances were made. The Maryland native made six appearances for the MetroStars in the league's first two seasons before taking the starter's role in Chicago in that club's inaugural season. Thornton remained Chicago's first choice 'keeper through 2003, when they fell to the San Jose Earthquakes in MLS Cup. The 33-year-old then tested the waters of Europe, but returned to Chicago after failing to make an appearance with Benfica's first team in the Portuguese first division.
An incredibly imposing figure at 6-3 and 230 pounds, Thornton has a career goals-against average of 1.28. He is near the top of the MLS record books for goalkeepers in nearly every statistical category, including wins by a goalkeeper (111, second place), shutouts (75, third place) and saves (821, fourth place).
"Zach Thornton played an integral role in helping the Fire build a winning tradition during the club's first nine years, and the atmosphere here will be different as we carry on without him," said Fire President/CEO John Guppy. "With the changes planned at the goalkeeper position we worked hard to find a suitable fit for Zach during the offseason, and we're glad to see that this process has ended in a situation where he will challenge for first-team minutes. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to thank Zach for his outstanding contributions to the Chicago Fire both on and off the field and wish him great success with Colorado."
Thornton was named the MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1998, as he helped the Fire earn the domestic double (MLS Cup and U.S. Open Cup championships) in their inaugural season. He also won 2000 and 2003 U.S. Open Cups with the Fire and five times (1998-2001, 2003) was named an MLS All-Star.
"When the name Zach Thornton comes up, you immediately think of one of the 'Fire Originals'," said Fire head coach Dave Sarachan. "Zach has been one of the faces of this franchise and, during my time here as head coach, he has been nothing but a tremendous professional. His records and his longevity in this league speak for themselves, but the timing for us means the next chapter of goalkeeping has been passed. I want to personally thank Zach for his contributions to the Fire. I'm very pleased that he's still going to be a member of Major League Soccer and we wish him all the best."
Thornton will battle Matt Jordan and Bouna Coundoul for the starting spot in Colorado that was vacated when the Rapids traded Joe Cannon to the Los Angeles Galaxy.
Jonathan Nierman is a contributor to MLSnet.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Soccer or its clubs.
