Midfielder from Madrid, Spain NEWS: With the first pick in the third round of the 2017 @MLS #SuperDraft, #Rapids96 select Jaime Siaj.Welcome, Jaime! pic.twitter.com/axGurquE3k— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) January 17, 2017
With the 20th pick in the 4th round of the 2017 @MLS #SuperDraft, #Rapids96 select Peguy Ngatcha from Wright State.Welcome, Peguy! pic.twitter.com/18S5nuXSMF— Colorado Rapids (@ColoradoRapids) January 17, 2017 . Had been part of the Revs youth program, obviously they didn't pick him up as a HG.
They took Nathan Regis' strike partner from Pfeffer instead of Regis. I guess international slots are a bigger issue than I thought. Seems like nobody is taking him. Edit: I just looked and this kid is from Madrid, Spain. What gives?
Jamie Siaj played for the charlotte eagles in the PDL during his summer breaks so it is safe to assume the "connection" -- if you will -- to the Rapids is that someone at our USL affiliate Charlotte Indepndence has seen and scouted him. Pfeiffer University, I believe, is also in the greater Charlotte area. I have no earthly idea if this "connection" is true but it's reasonable to draw those conclusions. Edit: here are some highlights. With the level competition it is nearly impossible to accurately get a read on Siaji but nonetheless here are highlights. The only thing I can reasonably gather is that he is a big dude.
Both picks were born overseas (Spain and Cameroon). Not sure where they might be on the green card process.
Student VISA and now they can start green card process (If here for 3 years & Rapids actually sign them).
Ngatcha moved here to join his parents at 14 so I'm guessing he's not on a student VISA (Unless those apply for pre-college education).
He could of gained citizenship by 18 if his parents had gained it by then (automatic for their kids), Since this didn't occur, it's the long haul from here.