The Colorado Rapids honored players, staff and fans alike at their annual end of season gala, A Burgundy Affair, on October 22nd. Here is a complete list of this season's winners:
Academy Player of the Year presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods | Adam Beaudry
Over the course of the 2023 season, goalkeeper Adam Beaudry has climbed the ranks from amateur status to pro, making his debut with Rapids 2 on April 30, 2023, in the team’s match against North Texas SC. A product of the Rapids Academy, Beaudry was named a finalist for this year’s MLS NEXT Pro Goalkeeper of the Year and was named the Goalkeeper of the Month during May and July of the 2023 season. His performances in goal have been recognized at the national team level with Beaudry representing the U.S. during the Concacaf U-17 Championship where he helped his team qualify for a spot in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Rapids 2 Player of the Year presented by Direct Edge | Oliver LarrazÂ
In the team’s second season in MLS NEXT Pro, midfielder Oliver Larraz captained a Rapids 2 side that finished the regular season as the No. 1 overall seed in the league. Making his return from injury this season, Larraz led the league in key passes with 54 total and led the team in games started (25), minutes (2,214) and dribbles completed (37). The Homegrown Player was an integral part of the team’s attack, adding nine goals to the team’s league leading 70-goal season.
Rapids 2 Golden Boot presented by American Family Insurance | RĂ©mi CabralÂ
In 20 matches played, forward Rémi Cabral proved to be one of the most dangerous and effective attackers in the league. The Frenchman ended the year with 19 goals, earning him a share of this year’s MLS NEXT Pro Golden Boot award and a spot on the league’s Best XI team. On top of leading the team in goals this season, Cabral earned the opportunity to make his MLS debut on May 31, 2023, in the Colorado Rapids’ match versus Columbus Crew.
Fan Favorite presented by Ticketmaster | Connor Ronan
You voted and we listened. Ronan's honor of Fan Favorite embodies the midfielder's stellar first season in Burgundy as he was awarded Man of the Match three times this season and always made time for fans postgame, signing autographs and taking pictures.
Defensive Player of the Year | Andreas MaxsøÂ
After joining the Rapids in February, Andreas Maxsø went on to register nearly 3,000 minutes on the pitch as he started in 33 games across MLS regular season, U.S. Open Cup and Leagues Cup competitions. The Danish international's strong showings on the back line helped the team to secure eight shutouts, and his attacking efforts earned him two goals on the season. Maxsø captained the Rapids in 16 matches this season.
Young Player of the Year presented by Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club | Darren Yapi
Awarded to the most impactful player under 24, Darren Yapi's honor of Young Player of the Year comes after the striker made 28 appearances across the Rapids' first team and Rapids 2, notched a game-winning assist, and was called up to represent his country in the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup this year. The Homegrown scored four goals and created two assists for Rapids 2, including a game-winning goal against San Jose in the MLS NEXT Pro Western Conference Semifinal match, and his bicycle-kick assist to Diego Rubio in the Rapids' contest with Sporting Kansas City earned his first goal contribution in MLS. The 18-year-old also featured in all three of the United States’ group stage matches in the U-20 World Cup, earning the start in their 3-0 win over Fiji.
Humanitarian of the Year presented by Special Olympics | Steven BeitashourÂ
Steven Beitashour's love for Colorado extends beyond the white lines of the Rapids' pitch. The MLS veteran is heavily involved in his community, making numerous appearances and contributions this year to schools, hospitals, and the environment. His dedication to the community this year included reading to elementary school kids, visiting the Buckley Space Force Base, and compiling care packages for families as a part of Kick Childhood Cancer month.
Players' Player of the Year | Connor Ronan
Voted for by his teammates, Ronan's lock room presence was just as valuable as his performance on the pitch this year. His team-minded positive attitude and leadership earned the attention of his fellow Burgundy Boys to win him a resounding majority vote.
Golden Boot presented by American Family Insurance | Cole Bassett
Cole Bassett's six goals on the season earned the midfielder this year's Golden Boot Award. His no-look, backheel goal against Houston Dynamo and upper 90 rocket against Columbus Crew dazzled fans tuning in from around the world, while his far-post strike against Minnesota for the Rapids' first goal of the season and header against New England Revolution got Rapids faithful to their feet inside DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Bassett's six goals set a new record for personal single-season high goals scored in the regular season.
Most Valuable Player presented by UCHealth | Connor RonanÂ
Ronan came on the Rapids' scene with a bang, notching 11 assists and one goal in his first year in Burgundy. The Irish midfielder joined Jack Price (2019 and 2021) as the only Rapids players since 2010 to produce at least 10 assists in a single season, and stunned fans by completing assists on all three goals scored in the Rapids' contest with LA Galaxy on the road. Ronan's penalty kick goal scored against the Philadelphia Union was his first on the Rapids' pitch, and he finished the season with 34 appearances, 33 of them starts.
