Rapids Sign Haitian Striker Jean Philippe Peguero (3/31/2004) DENVER, C0 (03-31-04)- The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of Haitian international striker Jean Philippe “Pedro” Peguero, who inked a multi-year deal with Major League Soccer that will link him to Colorado for at least the upcoming season. Per MLS policies details of the contract were not disclosed. The 22-year old forward, who was recommended to the Rapids coaching staff by Fernando Clavijo, a former U.S. International who is currently the head coach for Haiti, most recently played for his national team in the 1-1 draw against the U.S. National Team in Miami. In Haiti’s 5-0 win over Turks and Caicos in the first leg of the opening round of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying, Pedro opened the scoring for Haiti with a first half penalty. In that match, as well as in a number of different friendlies and Olympic qualifiers, Peguero has developed a lethal partnership with fellow forward Johnny Descollines, with each adding greatly to their goal tallies. Pedro was born in Port-de-Paix, Haiti on September 29, 1981 and has appeared on ten occasions for his full National Team with a further nine caps with the Under-23’s. He last played his club soccer with Haitian First Division side Don Bosco. Since coming to train with the Rapids in late March, Pedro has impressed both the Rapids coaches and his new teammates with his speed, size and finishing ability. He had a goal and an assist in the second half of the Rapids’ 4-0 win over the University of Denver on Tuesday, March 23, and then added another goal in Colorado’s 2-2 draw with the MetroStars in San Antonio, Texas on Saturday for a perfect two goals in two games with Tim Hankinson’s side. A strong and forceful target striker who is also equally adept at running at defenders with the ball at his feet and scoring with accurate headers, Pedro will bring a strong component to the already diverse Rapids offense. #10 Jean Philippe Peguero “Pe-gare-oh” -FORWARD- Height: 6-1 Weight: 185 Born: September 19, 1981 in Port-de-Paix, Haiti National Team Experience: 10 caps full Haitian National Team and 9 caps for the U-23 National Team Last Club: Don Bosco (HAITI) TRANSACTION Soccer-MLS Colorado Rapids- Sign forward Jean Philippe “Pedro” Peguero. http://www.coloradorapids.com/News/newsdetails.asp?ID=236