COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – First team midfielder and Rapids 2 starter Oliver Larraz has been named the MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 17, the league announced today. The 21-year-old Homegrown product recorded his first brace of the season in the team’s last match against Real Monarchs while also adding an assist to help Colorado to a 4-1 victory over the home side.
"This recognition is as well-deserved as any award our team has earned this year,” said Erik Bushey, Rapids 2 head coach. “Oli has played a significant role in our team's success. His attitude, insight and overall work ethic have been consistently outstanding. For me, he has been one of the most impactful players I've seen this year."
Larraz has been a fearless leader for Rapids 2 this season, wearing the captain’s armband for a majority of the team’s matches over the course of 2023. The Rapids midfielder currently leads the team with six assists, tying him with one other MLS NEXT Pro player for second place for assists provided this season. On top of his play making ability, Larraz has found the back of the net six times for Rapids 2 this season, giving him the third most goals on the team.
Larraz signed a Colorado Rapids first team contract in 2021 and has been a standout performer throughout the 2023 season for Erik Bushey’s squad. In 17 matches, he has contributed six goals and six assists, leading the Rapids 2 in minutes played (1404), assists (6), key passes (30), and shots on target (23).
