ELON, N.C. – Former Elon men’s soccer standout Clint Irwin has signed a professional contract to play for Major League Soccer’s Colorado Rapids. Irwin becomes the second player from Elon to sign a contract in the MLS, joining Steven Kinney currently of the Chicago Fire.

A record-setting keeper for the Phoenix and a native of Charlotte, Irwin joined the Rapids as a non-roster invitee before earning his first MLS contract.

“Clint came to us highly recommended and made a great impression in preseason,” said Rapids Technical Director Paul Bravo. “We’d like to welcome him to our squad.”

Irwin was a four-time All-Southern Conference performer for the Phoenix during his career from 2007-10. He holds the single-season (10) and career records for shutouts (22) and was a finalist for the prestigious 2010 Lowe’s Senior Class Award, a national award which honors men’s soccer’s top senior with notable achievements in four areas of excellence: community, classroom, character and competition.

"I'm excited to get my MLS career started with a first-class organization like the Colorado Rapids,” said Irwin. “I couldn't have made it to this point without the help of Coach (Darren) Powell and the Elon program. Coach Powell has continued to help my career even after I graduated and no words can express how thankful I am for his guidance."

In 2009, Irwin helped Elon to its first ever SoCon championship game appearance and earned a place on the league’s all-tournament team. The record-setting keeper also had stints with Capital City FC of Ottawa in the Canadian Soccer League and the Charlotte Eagles of the USL PRO.

“We are all very excited and proud that Clint has earned an MLS contract with a great club in Colorado,” said Powell. “He has worked very hard for this opportunity and we are sure he will develop into a top goalkeeper.

“On the behalf of the Elon community, we wish both Clint and Colorado the very best this season.”

Irwin and the Rapids begin their 2013 regular-season slate on March 2 at FC Dallas.