The Colorado Rapids brought in a speedster on Thursday, claiming Costa Rican international winger Luis Díaz off waivers.
Díaz, 24, was waived by the Columbus Crew on Tuesday after spending the previous five seasons in Ohio. The Post learned he is on his final year of his contract of an already-downgraded Under-22 initiative deal signed in 2019.
Considering the team is without a permanent manager after Robin Fraser parted ways with the team Tuesday, it is a puzzling signing from the front office. It’s not clear how he will fit in, both short- and long-term, as Díaz will essentially be on a test run for the final eight games of the season to see if Colorado will sign him for the 2024 season and beyond. The Rapids already traded away fan-favorite winger Michael Barrios in July, while Jonathan Lewis has not been picked for the matchday squad, or has missed out due to a lower-body injury.
“Luis is a dynamic winger who brings pace and power to our side,” said Rapids’ sporting director Fran Taylor in a statement. “Those attributes, along with his MLS and national team experience, will be a welcome to addition to our group as we prepare for a congested stretch of seven games in 22 days.”
Díaz scored six goals and 14 assists in 83 appearances with the Crew, but hardly played in 2023 due to injuries, and did not fit in with Columbus head coach Wilfred Nancy’s tactical style of play. He has eight appearances for the Costa Rican national team.
Colorado (3-13-10, 19 points) is in last place in MLS. Interim manager Chris Little will have time to prepare the team for its next game, which will be on Sept. 16 against New England Revolution.
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