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Colorado Rapids sign defender Tommy Smith from Ipswich Town

The Colorado Rapids completed the signing of defender Tommy Smith from Ipswich Town on Monday.

Smith, 27, has spent his entire career with Ipswich outside of a few loans, appearing in 267 games in all competitions, but has now signed a two-year deal with a club option for a third at the MLS club.

The English Championship club said the Rapids would pay an undisclosed transfer fee.

"Bringing in someone of Tommy's caliber along the back line was a top priority for us this offseason," said Rapids general manager Padraig Smith. "His experience and leadership will be great assets for us, and we look forward to him joining us in Arizona this week for the start of preseason training camp."

A former England youth international, Smith later switched his allegience to New Zealand and played at the 2010 World Cup.

"It's a very exciting move for me both personally and professionally," Smith said. "I'm extremely grateful to Ipswich Town for the faith they've shown in me over the past 11 years. I'll certainly miss the club and its great supporters, and will carry on following their progress. I wish them the very best for the future.

"But looking ahead, the opportunity to join the Rapids -- a club who have a very ambitious vision for the future -- was too great. I look forward to playing a key role in bringing that vision to life. Our goal is to bring another MLS Cup to Colorado."