Rapids sign forward Melvin Tarley

Colorado Rapids Media Relations

DENVER -- The Colorado Rapids announced today the signing of forward Melvin Tarley. Details of the transaction were not made public. The Rapids acquired Tarley's rights from Real Salt Lake in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental draft.

Tarley broke into MLS in 2005 when he had a goal and an assist in nine games with Real Salt Lake. The Liberian striker was discovered during the Minnesota Thunder's run in the 2005 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tarley scored six goals during that competition, including four against the Colorado Rapids, to tie as the tournament's top goalscorer.

Tarley, who holds a green card status, will not count as a Senior International on the Rapids roster.

How Acquired: The Rapids acquired Tarley’s rights from Real Salt Lake in exchange for a 4th round pick in the 2007 MLS Supplemental draft on August 15, 2006.

Melvin Tarley brings dangerous attacking ability to the Rapids' front line. Colorado remembers him well, as the Rapids fell victim to his striking potential when the Minnesota Thunder knocked the Rapids out of the 2005 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup thanks to a 4-goal performance by Tarley.

Tarley spent time in MLS with Real Salt Lake in 2005, but was released by the club and spent the majority of 2006 back with his former club, the Minnesota Thunder of the USL First Division, before once again making the jump back up to the majors when the Rapids signed him in August of 2006.

MLS Career Highlights: Tarley moved up to the big leagues in 2005 after leading the Minnesota Thunder to 3 upset wins over MLS clubs in the 2005 US Open Cup, scoring 6 goals in the Thunder's run through the tournament.....was signed by Real Salt Lake at the end of 2005....started nine games and tallied one goal and one assist in 729 minutes played for Real Salt Lake.

Other Career Highlights: Played four seasons with the Minnesota Thunder....In 2006 he scored 5 goals and recorded 3 assists for the Thunder, logging 1438 minutes and starting 16 of 18 games played...In 2005 he scored seven goals while logging over 1,681 minutes in 23 games played…Was instrumental in the Thunder’s upset wins over three MLS teams in the 2005 U.S. Open Cup, scoring six goals.....Also played for amateur team Alliance FC with 22 goals and 27 assists in 14 games in 2002…Spent three months with Chaspel FC of Budapest in 2001.

National Team Highlights: Tarley became the youngest player ever selected for the Liberian U-21 National Team at the age of 14 in 1998, appearing in 12 games for Liberia…also played with the Liberian National team in 2004.

Personal: Tarley holds a green card and therefore does not count against the Rapids' Senior International roster....Tarley's role model growing up was George Weah, former FIFA World Player of the Year and Liberian National Team captain … His favorite soccer player is Thierry Henry of Arsenal…The most influential person in his life is his fiancée Tracy…His most memorable soccer moment was playing soccer in Hungary…His favorite sport other than soccer is basketball…Enjoys reading in his spare time.

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