Former U.S. youth internationals Romero and Diaz join camp

Cesar Romero marked by Atiba Harris

Commerce City, Colo. - Two additional trialists arrived in time for the Rapids' first tactical training session of the preseason on Monday, while another has already left camp.


Forward Cesar Romero, 23, and forward/midfielder Carlos Diaz, 25, were the newest players to join the Rapids preseason workouts. The San Diego, Calif.-native Romero (pictured above) spent 2012 with Chivas USA, where he started four of the 12 regular season matches he appeared in. He began his career in Mexico with Monarcas Morelia's Second Division side and then moved on to play for Tigres in 2006-2007.


PHOTOS: First day of preseason training

Diaz, from Napa Valley, Calif., was invited to camp after excelling at the recently completed Rapids tryout combine. After two years playing at St. Mary's College, Diaz moved to Europe to pursue his professional dream. He has played in England, Hungary, Germany, Finland, Brazil, and W Connection in Trinidad & Tobago.


Romero was a member of the U.S. U15, U16, and U18 teams while Diaz reached the U.S. U-20 level.


One player that is no longer in camp is former FC Dallas forward Ruben Luna, who informed Rapids coach Oscar Pareja that he was presented with a chance to pursue an opportunity in another league,