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The biggest trade of the MLS offseason was finalized on Thursday, with Colorado and New England completing a deal that had been rumored for some time.
The Colorado Rapids and New England Revolution have completed a deal that will send defender Cory Gibbs and goalkeeper Preston Burpo to the Revolution in exchange for Wells Thompson and the rights to Jeff Larentowicz will go to the Rapids, the Boston Herald reported on Thursday evening.
The Rapids are also sending New England a partial allocation and 3rd-round draft pick in 2011.
The deal addresses two major needs for New England in central defense and goalkeeper, with starter Matt Reis set to miss the start of the 2010 season after shoulder surgery. Gibbs should step in and start alongside Darrius Barnes in New England's central defense.
Colorado secures arguably the best player in the deal in Larentowicz, but only if the central midfielder re-signs with the Rapids. Given the size of the deal, it would appear Larentowicz is ready to return to MLS rather than explore options in Europe, which he had been expected to do. Larentowicz's arrival in Colorado could mean a move to central defense for captain Pablo Mastroeni. The deal also helps address Colorado's needs on the right wing with Thompson.
What do you think of the deal? Who do you think got the better of the trade?
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