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Wynne in, LaBrocca to Toronto
The Rapids picked up defensive speed and bid adieu to a tenacious and versatile midfielder on the eve of starting the 2010 season.
The club made official Thursday afternoon rumors that Toronto FC would ship defender Marvell Wynne to Colorado in exchange for Nick LaBrocca and a 2011 third round draft pick.
“Marvell is a great athlete and we wish him all the best,” Toronto head coach Preki said in announcing the move. “He’s been a big part of this club and I’m sure he will be missed by the fans.”
Known for his pace down the flank, Wynne was the first overall selection in the 2006 SuperDraft and has three caps with the U.S. National Team. He was also a member of the U.S. 2008 Olympic Team.
Wynne, who will compete with Kosuke Kimura for the right back spot, was already on a flight on Thursday afternoon and will join the Rapids in Los Angeles ahead of their season opener against Chivas USA on Friday.
LaBrocca is headed to Toronto where he will join the team for the trip to Columbus this weekend.
LaBrocca, who played more minutes than any other Rapid player last season, had a breakout 2009 and participated in a U.S. National Team camp in November 2008. His position on the team may have been made redundant by the acquisition of Jeff Larentowicz from New England.
This is the third trade Colorado and Toronto have completed in the past three months. The two previous ones saw Jacob Peterson and Ty Harden head to Toronto while Colorado picked up a draft pick and allocation money.
LaBrocca was much loved by Colorado fans for his work rate and versatility. He played every position in the midfield for the Rapids during ’09. He was a capable defender, a blue-collar hustler, and he seemed to have a knack for dumping a shot into the back of the net when least expected. He scored two goals in each of the past two campaigns. He was rarely flashy on the field, but always seemed to be in the mix.
Wynne’s arrival in Commerce City puts a new pressure on Kosuke Kimura, the incumbent at right back. Both are fast and like to get into the attack. Wynne, however, has been more imposing on the field. While Kimura did play as a wing midfielder late in the season due to a rash of injuries in ’09, it will be interesting to see where he lands as the team readies to face Chivas USA on Friday night.
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