Colorado Rapids 2021 Preseason Roster

ABUBAKAR, Lalas

12/25/94

Defender

Abubakar anchored the Rapids defense last season, winning team Defender of the Year for the second year in a row. He netted his first Rapids goal in 2020 and was second on the team in total minutes played. Abubakar will look to build on his stellar start to life with the Rapids <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/12/15/rapids-sign-clubs-two-time-defender-year-lalas-abubakar-new-contract">after signing a four-year contract extension this offseason.</a>

ACOSTA, Kellyn

7/24/95

Midfielder

Acosta had a strong showing in 2020, highlighted by his game-winning goal against Portland that sent the Rapids to MLS Audi playoffs. His form was rewarded with a recall to the USMNT in January. Acosta capitalized on his recall, making two appearances in 2021 for the national team including <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/02/01/jonathan-lewis-scores-two-kellyn-acosta-and-sam-vines-add-assists-usmnt-s-dominant">getting the start against Trinidad &amp; Tobago during which he added an assist.</a>

ANDERSON, Sebastian

8/8/02

Defender

Right back and Colorado native was signed to a Homegrown contract in April of 2019 and made his debut later that month. The then-16-year-old became the youngest player in club history to score a goal in July of the same year against New York City FC. Anderson missed nearly all of the 2020 season due to a knee injury and will look to use preseason to get back into action before aiming to tally some valuable minutes in 2021.

BARRIOS, Michael

4/21/91

Forward

<a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/01/13/colorado-rapids-acquire-michael-barrios-fc-dallas">Acquired this offseason in a trade with FC Dallas,&nbsp;</a>Barrios is a dynamic and creative winger with 75 combined goals and assists throughout his six seasons in MLS. He will look to bring his eye for goal and breakout speed to the Rapids in his first season with the club.

BASSETT, Cole

7/28/01

Midfielder

Still only 19, Bassett led Colorado with five goals and five assists in 2020. The Littleton, Colo., native was <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/10/21/mls-22-under-22-cole-bassett-highlights">ranked No. 7 on the MLS 22 Under 22 list last season</a>, his second consecutive selection to the rankings, and <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/10/2020-colorado-rapids-soccer-club-end-season-awards-gala-winners">was named the Rapids' Players’ Player of the Year</a>, Young Player of the Year and Team MVP by C38. The Rapids Homegrown earned his first call-up to the USMNT camp in December 2020, was named to the initial U.S. U-23 roster ahead of Olympic qualification and will look to take his game to the next level in 2021.&nbsp;

BEITASHOUR, Steven

2/01/87

Defender

Decorated veteran defender originally signed in September of 2020 and <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/12/14/rapids-prioritize-consistency-leadership-re-signing-five-returning-veterans">brought back on another one-year contract this offseason</a>. Beitashour, who has won an MLS Cup and three Supporters’ Shields during his career, brings a veteran leadership presence and can play as either a right or left back, making him a versatile option in the back line.

BENEZET, Nicolas

2/24/91

Forward

Acquired last offseason in a trade with Toronto FC. The 30-year-old winger played 12 matches for the Rapids last season, adding three assists.&nbsp; His creativity and deceptive turn of pace offer game-changing potential, and he will look to build on last year and become a key piece of the teams attack in 2021.

FORD, Kortne

1/26/96

Defender

Homegrown center back Ford is entering his fifth season with the club.&nbsp; A horrific knee injury suffered in the final preseason game of 2019 saw Ford miss all of 2019 and 2020. Ford has shown tremendous resiliency to battle back from injury and enters preseason determined to get back on the field with the aim of recapturing the form that saw him feature in 33 MLS matches during his first two seasons as a pro.

GALVÁN, Braian

10/06/00

Midfielder/Forward

The 20-year-old Argentine showed his talents on the wing last season, appearing in nine contests and tallying a goal and an assist in his first season with the club. The creative attacker has shown silky skills with the ball at his feet and an energetic spark and will look to become a staple in the lineup in 2021.

HUNDLEY, Matt

5/11/00

Forward

The forward from Littleton signed a Homegrown contract in January of 2019. Hundley spent the majority of 2020 on loan with Memphis 901 FC where he appeared in 10 matches and added two goals for the USL Championship side.&nbsp;

IRWIN, Clinton

4/1/89

Goalkeeper

Played in four games for the Rapids in 2020, helping the team to a 2-0 start to the season.<a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/12/14/rapids-prioritize-consistency-leadership-re-signing-five-returning-veterans"> Irwin signed a two-year contract with the club this offseason</a>. The 31-year-old is an eight-year veteran who started the 2016 MLS Cup Final for Toronto FC.

KELLY, Jeremy

10/21/97

Defender

The Rapids traded for Kelly after he was selected ninth overall in the 2020 MLS SuperDraft, and he went on to feature eight times for the club last season showcasing his versatility by playing at both right back and in central midfield. Kelly will look to continue his development this season, with the club keen to ensure he gets critical game time in 2021.

MAYAKA, Philip

11/30/00

Midfielder

<a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/01/21/live-blog-follow-along-latest-rapids-superdraft-news-and-updates">The third overall pick at 2021 MLS SuperDraft,</a> Mayaka enters his first training camp with the team hoping to translate his impressive collegiate for the professional game. The Rapids traded into the top three for Mayaka, who was considered by many as the top player available in this year’s draft. The Generation adidas player is equally at home as a box-to-box midfielder and in the number six holding midfield role.

LEWIS, Jonathan

6/4/97

Forward

Colorado’s co-leading scorer, Lewis <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/09/23/colorado-rapids-vs-san-jose-earthquakes-goal-jonathan-lewis-september-23-2020?autoplay=true">bagged five goals in 2020</a>, including a team-leading three off the bench in his third year in Colorado. The crafty winger enjoyed a breakout game on the international stage, scoring his first two goals for the USMNT on Jan. 31, 2021, ahead of this month’s Olympic qualifying tournament. <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/12/17/colorado-rapids-sign-forward-jonathan-lewis-new-contract">Lewis signed a new four-year contract</a>&nbsp;in December, keeping him in Colorado through 2024.

MEZQUIDA, Nicolas

1/21/92

Midfielder

A creative playmaker and versatile midfielder, Mezquida has played in 50 of 53 games since joining Colorado ahead of 2019, adding five goals and seven assists. The Uruguayan has proven to be a valuable asset under Robin Fraser, leading all Rapids players with 347 minutes off the bench in 2020, when he consistently entered games to provide a high energy boost for the team.

MOOR, Drew

1/15/84

Defender

The only player remaining from Colorado’s 2010 MLS Cup team, Moor is back for his eighth year in Colorado after re-signing in December. The 37-year-old’s leadership will be key for a young Rapids squad. Moor featured eight times in 2020, <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/03/07/colorado-rapids-vs-orlando-city-sc-goal-drew-moor-march-7-2020">scoring a memorable game-winner in the 90th minute in the Home Opener against Orlando City.</a>

NAMLI, Younes

6/20/94

Midfielder

Namli is back for the second year of a two-year loan from FC Krasnodar in Russia. Namli <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/08/29/colorado-rapids-vs-sporting-kansas-city-goal-cole-bassett-august-29-2020?autoplay=true">impressed with his playmaking ability,</a> technical qualities and ability to glide past opponents in 2020; he picked up two goals and four assists and his 66 dribbles completed were the second-most in MLS.

PRICE, Jack

12/19/92

Midfielder

Captain Jack Price returns for his fourth season in Burgundy<a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/10/2020-colorado-rapids-soccer-club-end-season-awards-gala-winners"> after earning Team MVP honors last season</a>. The Set Piece King, Price created <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/02/death-taxes-set-piece-goals-rapids-continue-be-lethal-restart">four goals off set pieces in 2020</a> after setting up 10 in 2019. Price’s 20 assists are the most on the team since he joined in 2018. His excellent distribution and leadership make him a key piece of the Rapids midfield.&nbsp;

RAWLS, Andre

12/20/91

Goalkeeper

The 29-year-old goalkeeper is entering his third season in Colorado. Rawls was on the bench in five of Colorado’s matches in 2020 while spending the entire year with the First Team. Rawls made 15 appearances for Colorado Springs in 2019 and will look to make his MLS debut in 2021.

RODRIGUEZ, Abraham

7/19/02

Goalkeeper

At just 18 years old, Rodriguez enters his second MLS season after signing a Homegrown contract in February 2020. The Thornton, Colo., native made five starts in goal for Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC in 2020, posting one clean sheet.&nbsp;

ROSENBERRY, Keegan

12/11/93

Defender

A stalwart at right back, Rosenberry has started 51 of 53 matches since joining Colorado ahead of 2019. The 27-year-old has tallied two goals and five assists in Burgundy, including a <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/01/colorado-rapids-vs-seattle-sounders-fc-goal-keegan-rosenberry-november-1-2020?autoplay=true">sizzling, game-winning volley</a> against Seattle that was named MLS Goal of the Week in Week 22 of 2020.&nbsp;

RUBIO, Diego

5/15/93

Forward

Rubio enters his third season with the Rapids. The 27-year-old Chilean international scored 14 goals and nine assists in his first two seasons in Colorado, including <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/08/houston-dyanmo-vs-colorado-rapids-goal-diego-rubio-november-8-2020?autoplay=true">two game-winning goals</a> and <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/04/portland-timbers-vs-colorado-rapids-goal-kellyn-acosta-november-4-2020?autoplay=true">two game-winning assists</a> in 2020.

SHINYASHIKI, Andre

6/11/97

Forward

The second-year forward out of the University of Denver <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/11/01/colorado-rapids-vs-seattle-sounders-fc-goal-andre-shinyashiki-november-1-2020?autoplay=true">caught fire down the stretch in 2020</a>, picking up all four of his goals and one assist in Colorado’s last eight regular season matches. Following on his <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2019/10/14/2019-att-mls-rookie-year-andre-shinyashiki">2019 MLS Rookie of the Year campaign</a> that saw him post seven goals and three assists, the Brazilian will look to top double digits in goals in 2021.

TRUSTY, Auston

8/12/98

Defender

In his first year in Colorado, Trusty made five starts among eight appearances at center back, contributing to two clean sheets and adding one assist. The 22-year-old was also included in <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/02/23/bassett-lewis-trusty-and-vines-named-preliminary-concacaf-men-s-olympic-qualifying">the U.S. U-23 roster for Olympic qualifying later this month.</a>

VINES, Sam

5/31/99

Defender

Vines was the only Rapids player to play all 1,620 regular season minutes last season, adding the first goal and three assists of his MLS career. The Colorado Springs native was <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/10/21/mls-22-under-22-sam-vines-highlights">ranked No. 13 on the MLS 22 Under 22 list in 2020</a>, his second consecutive selection, and was named C38 Defensive Player of the Year. Vines became the <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2020/01/31/sam-vines-be-first-rapids-development-academy-product-start-usmnt">first Rapids Academy product to start for the USMNT in February 2020</a>, impressed in two subsequent appearances as a starter and was named to the initial U.S. U-23 roster for Olympic qualifying in March.&nbsp; A big year awaits Vines for <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/01/13/sam-vines-us-u-23-mens-national-team?autoplay=true">club and country</a> in 2021.

WARNER, Collen

06/24/88

Defender

Warner joined the club right before the MLS is Back Tournament in July of 2020 and made four starts among seven appearances for Colorado. A Denver native and East High alumnus, Warner will provide veteran leadership and quality depth in the midfield.

WILSON, Danny

12/27/91

Defender

Entering his fourth season in Colorado, Wilson has become a familiar face on the Rapids back line with 53 appearances. The 29-year-old former Liverpool FC player brings valuable experience to a deep defensive group.

YARBROUGH, William

3/20/89

Goalkeeper

Yarbrough<a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/02/04/william-yarbrough-reflects-his-first-year-rapids?autoplay=true"> joined Colorado from Liga MX’s Club León shortly before the 2020 season</a> was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but went on to earn the starting goalkeeper role during the MLS is Back Tournament. The 31-year-old kept four clean sheets and posted a 368-minute shutout streak, the third-longest in club history, and a 6-4-4 record in 2020. He <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2021/02/02/rapids-sign-goalkeeper-william-yarbrough-three-year-contract-liga-mx-s-club-le-n">officially joined the Rapids on a three-year contract on Feb. 2.</a>

CASTILLO, Edgar

10/8/86

Defender

Castillo joins the clubs preseason camp as a non-roster invitee as he looks to extend his glittering career.&nbsp; Rapids fans will remember Castillo well from his last stint with the club in 2018. Castillo started 28 matches for Colorado that year, adding three goals and five assists. The former Liga MX and USMNT defender joined New England in 2019, tallying five assists in 20 appearances before spending the 2020 season with Atlanta.

SERNA, Dillion

3/25/94

Midfielder

Serna will also join the preseason camp as a non-roster invitee. A 2013 Rapids Homegrown signing, Serna played 105 games for Colorado from 2013 to 2019, adding nine goals and seven assists. The Thornton, Colo., native made 16 appearances for Sporting KC II in 2020, earning four assists. Serna signed with the Rapids’ USL Championship affiliate, the Colorado Springs Switchbacks, in January.

LARRAZ, Oliver

9/16/01

Midfielder

Larraz <a href="https://www.coloradorapids.com/post/2018/10/29/academy-update-u-15s-top-sporting-kansas-city-academy-u-1819s-held-draw">played four years for the Rapids Academy</a>&nbsp;and was named Academy Player of the Year in 2015. The 19-year-old Denver native has trained extensively with the First Team since the honors in 2015, and he featured in a preseason friendly in 2019.

WILKERSON, Cullen 'Cam'

9/7/04

Midfielder

Wilkerson will also join the Rapids for preseason camp as a non-roster invitee. The 16-year-old stylish midfielder, who is joining the Rapids Academy this season, already has experience in the USL Championship with Portland Timbers 2, making four appearances for the club in 2020.&nbsp; Wilkerson is equally as happy as a box to box midfielder or playing the holding role.&nbsp;

YAPI, Darren

11/19/04

Midfielder

A 16-year-old forward from the Rapids Academy earned an invite after a spectacular fall season, scoring four goals in five DA league games while adding quality performances in the MLS Generation Adidas Cup qualifying matches. He was recently called into US U-17 national team.