Rapids Sign French Defender Baudet

The Colorado Rapids announced the signing of French defender Julien Baudet this afternoon, ending a long courtship period between the two sides. Per league and team policy, details of the deal were not disclosed.


Baudet is a 30-year-old central defender who started his professional career in 1999 with French side Toulouse, before moving onto the greener pastures of England in 2001. Since then, he has suited up for four different teams - Oldham Athletic, Rotherham United, Notts County, and most recently Crewe Alexandra, where he served as team captain. In the recently wrapped-up 2008-09 campaign, Baudet led his team in a fierce fight to stave off relegation but, unfortunately, the team known as The Railwaymen ultimately struggled to a 22nd-place finish in League One and will be dropping down to the fourth-tier of English football next season without their captain.

The Rapids currently boast the seventh-best defense in the league, having given up 18 goals in 14 matches this season.