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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Rapids acquire D.C.'s Ku-DiPietro for $1.125M</li><li>Becomes U-22 initiative player</li><li>Straight cash deal, no GAM involved</li><li><div class="affiliate-button-container theme-1" data-name="Apple TV"><div class="affiliate-button"><img class="logo" height="40" width="72" src="https://eu-images.contentstack.com/v3/assets/bltcc7a7ffd2fbf71f5/blt2de198b67da95a2e/65709d2436cf7d0407034ef9/Apple_TV.png" style="width: 72px; height: 40px;">Get the MLS Season Pass today!</div><a href="https://tv.apple.com/channel/tvs.sbd.7000?itsct=goal_mls&amp;itscg=30200&amp;at=1010l39UY" class="affiliate-button-link" target="_blank" rel="sponsored">Stream games now</a></div></li></ul>

Colorado Rapids acquire former USYNT midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro from D.C. United in $1.25M trade

The Colorado Rapids have acquired D.C. United Homegrown midfielder and former U.S. youth national member Ted Ku-DiPietro from D.C. United for a fee of $1.125M, with an additional $275,000 available if certain performance metrics are met, while D.C. also retain a future sell-on percentage."We're excited to welcome Ted to the Rapids organization,” said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids President. “Ted has already showcased his talent at the MLS level during his first three years in the league and he'll bring an added attacking threat to our group. He has the speed to challenge teams in behind and off the dribble and the quality and creativity to operate in the pocket. His qualities on the ball and exceptional work rate make him an ideal fit for our game model and we look forward to seeing him in burgundy.”The trade will be straight cash, with the Rapids using the new<a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/mls-allow-teams-to-pay-cash-players-landmark-roster-move-decision/bltb593497a0e96d2c1" target="_self"> Players for Cash mechanism </a>that began earlier this year.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Ku-DiPietro became D.C.'s 17th homegrown signing in 2020, and signed a U-22 initiative deal with the club in 2023. Across his senior career in MLS, he has played in 65 matches, recording 38 starts. The former Homegrown scored seven goals and recorded assists across 3,273 total minutes while with United.READ MORE: <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/djordje-mihailovic-journey-mls-az-alkmaar-colorado-rapids-usmnt-pascal-jansen-az-alkmaar-eredivisie-mauricio-pochettino-nycfc/bltb213e28e0af2caad" target="_self">Mihailovic's ambitions for 2025 Rapids</a>Internationally, Ku-DiPietro made his U.S. Youth National Team debut in 2023 for the U-23, and went on to make five appearances at the 2023 Pan American Games, while logging his first international goal against Honduras on October 26 that year.He'll now join Chris Armas' side ahead of a Western Conference playoff push in 2025.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Rapids have also signed midfielder Ali Fadal this offseason, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/colorado-rapids-ali-fadal-valencia-in-spain/bltfdea1549ee7d8edd" target="_self">bringing in the young midfielder from Valencia B in Spain.</a>

DID YOU KNOW?

They take on LAFC in the opening round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup on Tuesday, Feb. 18 in leg one of their series with the Black and Gold. Leg 2, meanwhile, will be on Feb. 25. Colorado will travel to St. Louis for its regular season opener on Feb. 22.

WHAT NEXT FOR COLORADO?

Colorado Rapids acquire former USYNT midfielder Ted Ku-DiPietro from D.C. United in $1.25M trade | Goal.com

A fan favorite former Homegrown in the nation&apos;s capital, the 23-year-old will occupy a U-22 initiative spot with the Western Conference side