Colorado Rapids trade 2018 1st-round draft pick to Montreal for Eric Miller

The Colorado Rapids announced Sunday the club has acquired defender Eric Miller out of the Montreal Impact in exchange for its natural first-round selection in the 2018 MLS SuperDraft.

Miller, 23, joined the Impact in 2014 and has since made 30 league appearances with the club, registering 2163 minutes of action in two seasons. For the Rapids, he represents a vital piece in the club's rebuilding efforts.

"Eric is a rising young player in our league and with the U.S. national team program," Rapids technical director Paul Bravo said in a statement. "He will bring added quality and competition to our backline. We are delighted to welcome him to the club."

The Impact explained that the trade was designed in order to orchestrate another move over the weekend, as the club acquired the services of Chicago Fire standout Harry Shipp.

"This trade allowed us to make another move on Saturday," Impact technical director Adam Braz said in a statement. "We were also able to acquire a first-round draft pick in 2018 which is always a valuable asset to have. We'd like to thank Eric for his contribution both on and off the field for this club. We wish him all the best moving forward."