Colorado Rapids acquire CBs Chidozie Awaziem, Ian Murphy from FC Cincinnati

Padraig Smith has begun the defensive overhaul for the Rapids

The Colorado Rapids have acquired centerbacks Chidozie Awaziem and Ian Murphy from FC Cincinnati for $1 million in General Allocation Money, sources have confirmed to DNVR.

Awaziem arrived in Cincinnati from Boavista in Portugal in late July following injuries to Matt Miazga and others on the backline. He previously played for Hajduk Split, Alanyaspor, and Porto, among others. The Nigerian started all seven games he appeared in for Cincinnati last season, registering two assists. His FBRef profile shows strong marks in progressive passes and carries, a necessary profile to exceed in the Chris Armas system.

Awaziem, who turns 28 on December 1st, also has 33 caps with the Nigerian National Team.

Ian Murphy is an MLS SuperDraft product from Duke, who featured in 31 games and played just under 2,300 minutes last season for Cincinnati, totaling 105 career MLS appearances.

The move is the first of the offseason for Padraig Smith and company, who looks to rebuild a backline that allowed 60 goals in MLS play last season.

Colorado had a Moise Bombito-sized hole in the backline following the Canadien’s summer move to OGC Nice, and fill-in starter Lalas Abubakar had his option declined by the front office at the end of the season following Colorado’s first-round exit from the MLS Playoffs.

Awaziem comes with a salary just north of $1 million, and as such should be penciled in as the Lalas replacement as a starter on the backline. That salary number is a near match for the departed Abubakar and Jonathan Lewis salaries combined. Murphy is making just under $90,000.

What does it mean for the Rapids?

Barring any other outbound moves, the defensive group could be set for 2025 before free agency opens later this week. Two of Keegan Rosenberry, Sam Vines, and Reggie Cannon should start on the outside of an Awaziem and Andreas Maxsø pairing on the backline.

With Abubakar and Michael Edwards having their options declined, Murphy is by far the most proven depth the team has in defense. He should be first off the bench ahead of the likes of Nate Jones and Daniel Chacon.