COMMERCE CITY, Colo. - Colorado Rapids 2 have signed goalkeeper Lars Helleren for the remainder of the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season with a club option for the 2024 season, the club announced today.
“We are excited to add Lars to our roster after his exceptional season in USL League Two,” said Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager. “In his training stint with the club earlier in the year, he demonstrated quality both on the field and in the locker room. Lars is an important addition as we look to finalize the roster ahead of the MLS NEXT Pro playoffs.”
Helleren arrives in Colorado off the heels of a title-winning season with Ballard FC. The 24-year-old goalkeeper has spent the past two summers with the Washington-based club, which recently captured its first-ever USL League Two title on August 6, 2023, in a 2-1 victory over Lionsbridge FC. Helleren was a key player on the championship team, logging four starts in the team’s five playoff matches, including a starting spot in goal in the 2023 USL League Two Final. During the 2023 regular season, Helleren recorded three shutouts and a 1.10 goals-against average in 10 starts en route to Ballard FC’s playoff run.
Helleren enjoyed a successful collegiate career at Seattle Pacific University, playing five seasons with the Falcons. Helleren started in all 19 matches during his most recent collegiate season in 2022, earning First Team All-GNAC honors and a selection as a United Soccer Coaches Third Team All-American. Throughout his five years, Helleren played 5,820 minutes in 67 matches (66 starts) and recorded a 1.45 goals-against average.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids 2 acquire goalkeeper Lars Helleren on August 18, 2023.
Lars Helleren
Pronunciation: LAHR-z HEL-ur-en
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 6-2
Weight: 190
Birthdate: October 13, 1998
Birthplace: Edmonds, Washington
Nationality: United States
