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US: Colorado flooded with strikers [Tue Sep 13th, 2005]
The Colorado Rapids have bolstered their struggling offense by acquiring forward Jovan Kirovski from the Los Angeles Galaxy and signing Colombian forward Diego Serna.
After scoring just 31 goals in their first 25 matches, the Rapids needed to improve their strike rate as they surge towards the playoffs. Kirovski will begin this weekend as Colorado take on DC United, but Serna must wait for immigration paperwork to clear before suiting up for the Black and Blue.
The Rapids sent their 2007 MLS SuperDraft first-round pick to the Galaxy in exchange for the rights to Kirovski. Serna was signed to a multi-year deal by the ‘Pids after he was placed on waivers. Los Angeles, his former club, did not retain first right of refusal due to Serna’s long absence from MLS.
Kirovski, who has earned 59 caps and scored 9 times for the Nats, netted 12 goals in his 48 appearances for the Gals. The 2005 campaign has been a disappointment as he has scored just four goals to go with four assists in 24 appearances. The Californian native has an extensive club history, enjoying stretches at Manchester United, Borussia Dortmund, and Sporting Lisbon.
Serna, who has not played in the league in almost two years, still ranks number 11 on MLS’s all-time goal scorer list with 57 strikes. Most of the damage was done with the Miami Fusion where he tallied 52 goals and 36 assists, including amassing 15 goals and 15 assists in 2001.
After an unsuccessful run in 2002-03, where he bounced from the MetroStars to New England and finally to Los Angeles, he left MLS for his native Colombia, where he plied his trade for several teams.
Pat Walsh
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