The Colorado Rapids Academy has signed defender Parker Sturgis from ALBION SC Las Vegas, the club announced today. Sturgis will join the Rapids Academy’s U-15 side for the remainder of the 2022-23 MLS NEXT season.
“We are thrilled that Parker and his family have made the decision to become a part of the Rapids family,” said Chris Cartlidge, Rapids Academy Technical Director. “We are incredibly grateful to ALBION SC Las Vegas’ Director of Coaching Wayne Attard and his staff for their role in developing Parker and supporting his release and transfer to the Colorado Rapids. Parker has incredible potential and has the physical qualities to excel in the center back position. He also possesses wonderful awareness and excellent passing ability that fit very well with our style of play and game model. We are excited to integrate Parker into the Rapids Academy and to support his continued development on and off the field.”
The 14-year-old defender comes to the Rapids Academy from ALBION SC Las Vegas. Sturgis has been a standout among young players at the Las Vegas-based club, competing with the U-16 team as a U-15 player. In the 2022-23 season, the Nevada native has been a steady presence for ALBION, playing in every regular season match so far and claiming a spot on the All-Star team during this year’s MLS NEXT Flex tournament. Parker was also selected to two U.S. Youth National Team ID Centers in November 2022 and March 2023.
Sturgis becomes one of two former products of ALBION SC Las Vegas to join the Rapids Academy as a result of a lengthy relationship between the two clubs. Noah Strellnauer, U-17 midfielder, joined the Rapids in 2021 after spending two seasons with ALBION SC. The 15-year-old has been a tremendous asset to the U-17’s during its current season, starting in 11 matches and scoring three goals.
