Djordje Mihailovic acquired by Toronto FC
The Colorado Rapids have agreed to sell leading goal scorer and leader of the team, Djordje Mihailovic, to Toronto FC for a club record $8 million. The cash transfer has incentives that could increase the price to $9 million.
Mihailovic currently has 11 goals and six assists in all competitions, the most goal contributions on Colorado. The attacking midfielder had 23 goals and 18 assists in 63 games, which is the record for most goal contributions in a player's first two years with the Rapids. Last season, he had double-digit scores and assists, the only player on the squad to do so.
Mihailovic asked to leave the club, and though Head Coach Chris Armas, who is out of contract soon, tried to change his mind but was unable to do so.
Mihailovic recently lost the captain’s armband and missed the Rapids’ second Leagues Cup game against Tijuana due to “personal reasons,” much like how Moise Bombito came up with a mysterious injury in last year’s Leagues Cup days before being transferred to OGC Nice.
The Rapids have until Aug. 21 to find a replacement for Mihailovic, the centerpiece of the lineup. In the two games Colorado played without him, they struggled to find offensive success and constantly looked disorganized. The midfielder was undoubtedly the best player on the squad, and for them to finish strong and secure a playoff spot, they must find a way to operate without the operator.
The Colorado Rapids will head to Dignity Health Sports Park in California, a neutral site, to face Cruz Azul, the current CONCACAF Champions League winners. The game can be streamed on the MLS Season Pass via Apple TV on Thursday at 6 p.m. MT.