The Colorado Rapids have traded midfielder Chris Henderson to the Kansas City Wizards in exchange for defender/midfielder Matt McKeon. Henderson holds Rapids records for all-time points with 55 (12 goals, 31 assists), all-time assists with 31 and assists in a season with 14 in 1997. Numbers aside, Henderson may most be remembered for his acrobatic side-volley in the dying minutes of Game Two of the 1997 Western Conference Finals that beat the Dallas Burn and propelled the Rapids into MLS Cup ’97. After a 1997 season in which Henderson led the Rapids with 28 points (7 goals, 14 assists), an up-and-down 1998 campaign saw him never find the dangerous form of the previous season, as he totaled only two goals and nine assists for 13 points. Distractions were numerous for Henderson in 1998, as he fought unsuccessfully for a spot on the 1998 U.S. World Cup roster, witnessed the birth of his first child, and battled shoulder problems and a hernia for most of the season. “Chris was a great servant to the Colorado Rapids,” said Colorado coach Glenn Myernick. “He was always dedicated, loyal and obviously very productive. At the same time, he did not have the type of season in 1998 that anyone had thought he would. He is very talented, and his best soccer may very well still be ahead of him.” McKeon, 24, won the Missouri Athletic Club award during a stellar college career at Saint Louis. At 6’3″ and 195 pounds, he is an imposing presence, known for his solid on-the-ball skills in addition to his physical play. Cast as a central defender for much of his three years with Kansas City, McKeon’s offensive ability makes him a candidate to also fill a central midfield role for Colorado. McKeon actually made an appearance as a forward for the Wizards in a game against the Rapids in 1998. “We took the opportunity to add a player that we think can immediately improve us at the back, but can also play a couple of different positions if need be,” said Myernick. “We gave up the most goals in the league last year, and in one move we have made a huge step towards improving that problem.” In McKeon, Rapids coach Glenn Myernick adds a player he is familiar with, having worked with him with the U.S. U-20s in 1993 (the team eventually finished eighth at the World Youth Championship in Australia) and with the 1996 Olympic Team. “I enjoyed playing for Glenn before and know that his teams are very organized and disciplined,” said McKeon. “Colorado is a hard-working team with some very good players, and I am glad that they decided that I could be someone to help them continue to improve.”