Sam Bassett’s return to Rapids sparks bold MLS dreams and historic family ties | OneFootball

The Colorado Rapids have signed 21-year-old midfielder Sam Bassett through 2025, with options to extend until 2028. Bassett returns to the club that helped shape his development, completing a story that blends family roots with rising talent. Additionally, he and his brother Cole Bassett make history as the first homegrown sibling duo to play for the club. But is Sam ready to take this leap into professional soccer?

Sam Bassett is by no means an entirely new name to those who have been keeping tabs on the Colorado Rapids. Before shining bright at the University of Denver, where he managed to notch an impressive 24 goals and 26 assists in 77 matches, he was developed in the Rapids Academy, growing up in an environment that values local development. His college career saw him emerge as one of the last nominees for the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2024, a prestigious honor kept for the top collegiate soccer prospects.

To Rapids President Pádraig Smith, the signing of Sam is about much more than bringing on board a talented young player. "Our commitment to developing the best young talent in Colorado remains steadfast, and Sam exemplifies the character and mentality we want representing our badge and our community."

A collegiate star ready for the next step: If his college stats are any indication, Sam Bassett is bringing the heat to leave his mark. At the University of Denver, he maintained fairly decent stats and brought in some good awards for himself, such as being named in the NCAA College Cup All-Tournament Team and a two-time Summit League Midfielder of the Year.

These didn't happen by accident. Bassett is described as a box-to-box midfielder, capable of contributing on both ends of the field. For head coach Chris Armas, this versatility is one of the key reasons behind the signing. "Sam has many of the qualities we look for, including his competitive edge and final-third quality," Armas said. He also underscored the mentality of the player, a factor that places him as a very important piece for the future of the Rapids.

The brother of Bassett

The storyline for Sam means even more with his brother Cole already in the Colorado Rapids. This signing not only marks a historic milestone within the club but also a nod to its commitment to local development. Becoming the first set of homegrown brothers to play for the first team is more than just a statistical curiosity; it is the reward of the work done within the Rapids' academy.

However, having some family connection comes along with its own set of expectations. He will have to prove himself on the pitch and also from under the shadow of his big brother. This is a scenario full of challenges but also one that gives both brothers ample opportunity to leave a meaningful legacy at the club.

Challenges and opportunities for Bassett

With an enviable collegiate résumé coming from Sam Bassett, making the leap into professional soccer is always a test of being tough, but MLS is faster-paced and physically demanding, which can be a bit overwhelming for young players, even with a good foundation.

But Bassett seems to have every tool in the box. His ability to transition between defense and attack, coupled with his knack for assists and goals, makes him quite a worthy midfielder. His familiarity with Rapids culture and values could also ease that process, which not every rookie has.