Thursday marked a big day for the Rapids and MLS with the 2021 SuperDraft, presented by adidas.
The Rapids headed into draft day with the 6th, 21st, 42nd and 69th picks. The club also comes in with high hopes, given their success in finding quality talent in the draft in recent years.
Let's relive the action from the Rapids draft day.
11:10 AM - Big Moves on the Horizon?
The Rapids teased a potential shake up on their social media with less than an hour to go before the draft. What's in stor
The Colorado Rapids have been busy preparing for today’s 2021 MLS SuperDraft, and the dealing is going down to the wire.
The Rapids moved up in the first round again, acquiring the third overall pick from Houston Dynamo FC in exchange for $200,000 in General Allocation Money and the sixth overall pick, which Colorado originally acquired from Chicago Fire FC in December. The Dynamo will receive additional compensation if the third overall pick achieves certain performance-based marks.
Expansion side Austin FC holds the first pick in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft presented by adidas, which begins today at Noon MT. Watch Round 1 live here
Colorado has another first-round pick at 21, acquired in the deal for dynamic winger Michael Barrios from FC Dallas earlier this month. The Rapids also hold the 15th picks in Rounds 2 and 3, at 42nd and 69th overall, respectively.
The Rapids have had plenty of success in the SuperDraft. In 2019, Rapids Executive VP & GM PSmith traded up to get the fifth overall pick and took Denver’s Andre Shinyashiki, who went on to become 2019 AT&T MLS Rookie of the Year. Read more about the Rapids’ SuperDraft success.
12:25 PM - Rapids Select Clemson's Philip Mayaka
The Rapids used their newly-acquired third pick in the SuperDraft to get their guy: Philip Mayaka. Mayaka comes to the Rapids from Clemson where he started 29 of his 32 games played.
Date of Birth: Nov. 30, 2000 (20 years old)
Position: Centeral midfield
Skillset: Mayaka is a small center midfielder who is effective with the ball at his feet. He played an attacking center mid role in 2019 and transitioned to a more defensive role in 2020, helping lead Clemson to an ACC championship. Mayaka was touted as the top player in the draft and one of the players most likely to make an immediate impact by MLS.
Honors: 2019 ACC Freshman of the Year; 2019 MAC Hermann Semifinalist - the only freshman or sophomore named a finalist for the award; 2020 ACC All-Tournament Team
Quote: “Mayaka is the most MLS-ready player I have coached since being at Clemson,” Clemson head coach Mike Noonan told ClemsonTigers.com. “He has been a pleasure to coach, and any team would be happy to have him.”
Reaction:
The moves aren't done yet. The Rapids traded the 21st pick to Austin FC in exchange for $50,000 in General Allocation Money.
3:00 PM - Rapids Pass on Remaining Selections
Colorado elected not to select a player with the club's 42nd pick. In doing so, Colorado also automatically passes on the its final selection, the 69th pick, as well.
