Transfer Tracker

Colorado Rapids sign defender Anthony Markanich after SuperDraft selection

TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing

The Colorado Rapids have signed defender Anthony Markanich through the 2022 MLS season with options from 2023-25, the club announced Thursday.

Markanich was selected by Colorado 26th overall (first round) in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft after a four-season career at Northern Illinois University.

ā€œAnthony had an excellent preseason with our group and demonstrated the qualities and potential that led us to select him in the SuperDraft,ā€ EVP and general manager PĆ”draig Smith said in a release. ā€œWeā€™re delighted to extend him a contract and officially welcome him to the club.ā€

While at Northern Illinois, the 22-year-old was a three-time First-Team All-MAC honoree. The left back made 67 appearances for the Huskies, registering 17 goals and adding 24 assists, the latter of which are tied for second-most in program history.

Markanichā€™s brother, Nick, was previously signed by FC Cincinnati after he was selected in the 2022 MLS SuperDraft's second round (No. 30 overall), also out of Northern Illinois University.

Coloradoā€™s other first-round SuperDraft selection, former Notre Dame midfielder Mohamed Omar (No. 23 overall), has since signed with Halifax Wanderers FC of the Candian Premier League.