A much sought-after position on the field has been filled for the Colorado Rapids.
On Monday, the team announced it had acquired Alex Gersbach, a 25-year-old Australian left back from French Ligue 2 side Grenoble Foot 38. The deal is for three years through the 2025 season with an additional club option for a fourth year in Commerce City.
Colorado had been in need of a left back as a result of Auston Trusty’s departure to England, and Lucas Esteves’ return to Brazil following his loan expiration. Now, joining Steven Beitashour and Anthony Markanich, Gersbach will look to add plenty of athleticism to the position.
“We’re delighted to continue reinforcing our roster with a player like Alex,” Rapids general manager Pádraig Smith said in a team statement. “Alex is a technical fullback who brings a high level of energy and ability to consistently get up and down the flank. We look forward to welcoming him to Colorado and incorporating him into our group.”
Gersbach, a six-time-capped Australian international, spent the last two seasons with Grenoble, but has also played in Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden in addition to three seasons with his hometown team, Sydney FC. In the 2022-2023 French season, he has racked up over 1,400 minutes of playing time with 18 starts and has been on the pitch for 10 team shutouts.
A source with knowledge of the situation added that Gersbach is looking to join the Rapids in Orlando, Florida for the team’s second half of preseason training, pending his visa and completion of a physical. Two other signings, midfielder Connor Ronan and center back Andreas Maxsø, are also set to meet the rest of the squad in the Sunshine State.
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