Rapids Sign German Midfielder Stefan Aigner

DENVER (CBS4)- The Colorado Rapids have signed German midfielder Stefan Aigner to a multi-year contract.

Aigner comes to the Rapids after spending this past season with 1860 Munich of the second-tier Bundesliga 2. His former team has been plunged into chaos after relegation to Germany's third division and alleged mismanagement of the club.

The Rapids announced the 3½-year deal Wednesday . It is pending completion of his physical.
Before his latest stint with 1860 Munich, Aigner played for the top-division Eintracht Frankfurt from 2012-16. He had 28 goals and 27 assists in 136 matches with Frankfurt.

He also played for his hometown 1960 Munich from 2009-12, scoring 25 goals with 21 assists in 101 matches.

He'll occupy an international roster spot for the Rapids, who could use his help as an attacking midfielder. Nana Boateng, Mohammed Saied and Shkelzen Gashi have all dealt with injuries at times this season.

It is expected that Marlon Hairston, who's played on the wing, will move to right back with Aigner's arrival.

"We're excited to add a player of Stefan's caliber to our roster for the next three-and-a-half years," Rapids sporting director and interim general manager Padraig Smith said in a statement. "As an organization we are committed to fielding a forward thinking side and bringing in Stefan — a technical and versatile player who can excel in multiple attacking roles — will help us achieve that vision."

After 1860 Munich lost its relegation playoff to Regensburg, it was announced that the team had failed to secure a license to play in the third tier.

By ANNE M. PETERSON, AP Sports Writer

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