TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Colorado Rapids are adding another player from England to their new-look roster.
On Tuesday, the Rapids announced the acquisition of striker Joe Mason, using Targeted Allocation Money, from English Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers on a one-year loan agreement.
Mason, who will be added to the Rapids’ roster upon receipt of his International Transfer Certificate and P-1 visa, joins Danny Wilson, Tommy Smith, Jack Price, Johan Blomberg and Edgar Castillo on the team’s growing list of recent international signings. Mason played with Price on Wolverhampton before both arrived in Colorado this offseason via TAM.
A traditional No. 9, Mason will feature in an attack that also includes forwards Dominique Badji, Stefan Aigner, and Jack McBean.
“There’s no doubt that Joe will be a major boost to our frontline,” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith said in a statement. “His finishing and movement in and around the box is very intelligent. He’ll not only help us from a goal scoring standpoint, but he’s also the type of player who makes those around him better. We look forward to welcoming him to Colorado.”
MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Mason ($7.5) to your team today. Start playing!
During his time in the English Championship, the 26-year-old Mason scored 42 times, averaging a goal in every 2.88 games. He previously spent five seasons with fellow Championship side Cardiff City, scoring 22 goals in 97 appearances, and also had 10 goals in 28 appearances while on loan with Bolton.
Although he was born in England, getting his start for hometown club Plymouth Argyle, he has experience playing for Ireland’s youth national teams.
“This is an exciting new chapter of my career,” Mason said in a statement. “I’m very grateful for the support shown by everyone at Wolves during my time there, but the Rapids are an ambitious club and I can’t wait to get to Colorado, meet the guys, and help this team reach its goals.”
Colorado added another forward on Tuesday afternoon, signing fourth-round draft pick Niki Jackson. The No. 73 overall pick, Jackson joins the Rapids after three standout seasons at Grand Canyon University.
The Scottsdale, Arizona native enjoyed a breakout junior campaign in 2017, notching 16 goals en route to Offensive Player of Year honors in the Western Athletic Conference. Jackson’s goal tally was among the top three nationally. He was also named to the conference’s all-academic team.
“It’s a dream come true,” said Jackson in a statement. “I’m very thankful to everyone at Grand Canyon who helped me become a better player these past three and half years, but can’t wait to get started with the Rapids. This is a club with a very strong vision for the future, and I feel fortunate to be a part of it.”
MLS Fantasy Impact: You can add Jackson ($4.0) to your team today. Start playing!
