The Colorado Rapids honored players, staff and fans alike at their annual end of season gala, A Burgundy Affair, on November 10th. Here is a complete list of this season's winners.
Academy Player of the Year: Jackson Travis
A promising Academy prospect, Travis has made an impact on the Rapids family. His honor as Academy Player of the Year makes the Mississippi native a large asset to the Colorado team and proves the sustainability of the club’s academy team going forward.
Defender: Auston Trusty
After recording 2,970 minutes on the pitch in the regular season, Trusty’s presence on the backline was a necessary one to the Rapids’ success. In 33 games, the Defender of the Year remained a steadfast teammate, aiding goalkeeper William Yarbrough to 13 clean sheets on the season and earning a goal of his own against Austin FC at DICK’s Sporting Goods Park in September. Trusty was also named to MLS’s Team of the Week twice this season for his performances and was nominated to the leagues Defender of the Year award alongside Keegan Rosenberry.
Fan Favorite: Michael Barrios
The fans spoke, and the Rapids listened. Barrios’ selection as Fan Favorite was one long anticipated, as he entered the Colorado scene with a bang, scoring his first goal with the club against LAFC in May. Since then, the Colombian striker has recorded eight goals and six assists.
Golden Boot: Michael Barrios
It comes at no surprise to Rapids fans that Barrios secured the Golden Boot in his first season with the club. Tallying 8 goals on the season, the Colombian striker tied his career-high goals scored this year. Barrios was also nominated for the league’s Comeback Player of the Year Award for his accomplishments in Burgundy.
Humanitarian: Kellyn Acosta
For the second year in a row, Acosta’s Humanitarian of the Year award is more than well deserved. The midfielder is a member of Black Players for Change and uses his platform to speak out against social injustice, and is also a dedicated supporter of the Global Down Syndrome Foundation. Though the past year presented a number of challenges, Acosta’s work in the community is seen and appreciated by all.
MVP: Jack Price
This year’s MVP award is Price’s fourth consecutive honor at the annual A Burgundy Affair. Leading the team in assists with 12, Price generated 91 shot-creating actions in 2021. His domination and leadership from the midfield make him the Rapids’ most valuable asset heading into the Audi 2021 MLS Playoffs.
Players’ Player: Michael Barrios
Voted for by his teammates, Michael Barrios’ first award of the night meant a little more. The Players’ Player Award was given to the 2021 newcomer for his demeanor on and off the pitch. A steadfast teammate, Barrios has made an impact on the Rapids family in just one season.
Young Player: Braian Galván
Nominated to MLS’s End of the Year award in the same category, Galván’s performances in 2021 for the Rapids has created waves of accomplishments for the 21-year-old winger. Also named to the league’s 22 Under 22 list this season, the Argentinian is already making a name for himself in the league with two goals and three assists under his belt this year alone.
Thank you to our sponsors for supporting the Colorado Rapids and helping make this year’s A Burgundy Affair such a success!
- Butler Rents
- Coke
- DICK'S Sporting Goods
- Direct Edge
- Holidaily
- Riboli Wines
- Truly
- UCHealth
- Verizon
- Western Union
