Colorado Rapids select Kohei Yamada and Joel Helmick in MLS Supplemental Draft

The Colorado Rapids selected two players on Tuesday during the 2012 Supplemental Draft. Japanese native Kehei Yamada, a midfielder, joins fellow countryman Kosuke Kimura on the squad, while goalkeeper Joel Helmick was also selected in the draft.

The MLS Supplemental Draft was re-instated in January, 2011. It is an opportunity for clubs to make additional selections of players that participated and impressed during the MLS player combine. The Supplemental draft is usually conducted via conference call as opposed to a ceremonial public display like the MLS Superdraft.

Kehei Yamada started his professional career in his native Japan in the J-League 2, which is the second division of professional soccer within Japan. The midfielder has played in 34 games since 2010 with J-League 2 side Thespa Kusatsu. He was considered a first round talent in the Superdraft after a strong combine but his international status brought him down as teams wanted to avoid giving him an automatic roster spot, ala Michael Boxall last year. He will likely feature on the team in 2012.

Joel Helmick is a 6'3'' goalkeeper who played all four years at Longwood University. During his senior season, Helmick posted a .92 goals against average through 20 games. The shot stopper has also racked up some impressive defensive accolades throughout his collegiate career.