COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced today that they have called up midfielder Marlon Vargas from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side on a Short-Term Agreement. Vargas will be available for selection for the Rapids’ match against the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday, April 13.
Vargas was called up to the Rapids First Team on two separate occasions during the 2023 MLS season. The midfielder made his MLS debut with the Colorado Rapids on May 31, 2023, playing 11 minutes in the team’s match against Columbus Crew. Vargas also played 61 minutes in the Rapids’ U.S. Open Cup match versus USL League One side Northern Colorado Hailstorm FC in 2023.
Vargas was a standout among MLS NEXT Pro players in the 2023 season, scoring five goals and adding 10 assists across 27 appearances (24 starts) for Rapids 2. The midfielder ended the season at the top of the league’s charts for assists (10) in a year that saw Colorado finish atop the regular season standings and earn a spot in the Western Conference Final.
In the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season, Vargas has been a leader in the attacking third, scoring four goals in as many matches to stake his claim as one of four players leading the league. He has worn the captain’s armband in three of the team’s matches and currently leads the team in minutes played.
Per the 2024 MLS Roster Rules and Regulations, a club may sign a player, aged 25 or younger during the league season, from its affiliate (MLS NEXT Pro) to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements (up to four-day contracts) each season (maximum of 16 days). An individual player may be included on up to four MLS league season match rosters each season, however, that player may appear in no more than two MLS league season matches. An individual player may appear in any number of non-league games during the terms of his four Short-Term Agreements.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids call up midfielder Marlon Vargas on a short-term agreement on April 12, 2024.
Marlon Vargas
Pronunciation: VAHR-guhs
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-5
Weight: 139
Birthdate: January 12, 2001
Birthplace: Bakersfield, California
Nationality: United States, El Salvador
