COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced today the club has signed forward Sydney Wathuta to a first-team contract through June 2027, with two additional options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. Wathuta becomes the seventh player to sign a First Team contract after first playing for Rapids 2 on a standalone agreement. Wathuta’s MLS rights were acquired by Colorado in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected 16th overall out of the University of Vermont.
“We’re excited to continue Sydney’s progression within our organization,” said Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor. “He’s shown consistent growth at the professional level, and his performances in MLS NEXT Pro and first-team competitions have demonstrated his ability to contribute in a meaningful way. Sydney has earned this opportunity through his work and production.”
Wathuta, 21, joins the Rapids first team after spending the 2025 season with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he played a key role in the club’s postseason run. During the regular season, Wathuta made 18 appearances, recording six goals and four assists. In the MLS NEXT Pro Playoffs, he added two assists in four appearances, continuing to impact matches at a critical stage of the competition.
“We’ve been impressed with what Sydney has shown since stepping into our environment,” said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells. “He’s taken advantage of the foundation that was built through Rapids 2, and he has made a positive impression on me in these first few weeks. He has a lot of potential and now he must focus on turning up every day at work to maximize that. We look forward to helping him continue his development.”
The Vancouver, British Columbia, native also gained valuable first-team experience during the 2025 season. Wathuta made his MLS debut at home against Atlanta United, and later featured in the Leagues Cup, playing all 90 minutes in a draw against Cruz Azul.
Prior to turning professional, Wathuta spent two seasons at the University of Vermont, helping lead the Catamounts to the 2024 NCAA Division I National Championship. Over his collegiate career, he made 39 appearances with 34 starts, logging 2,883 minutes, while recording three goals and 15 assists. His 14-assist campaign in 2024 set a single-season program record and ranked second nationally in NCAA Division I, earning him America East First Team All-Conference honors and recognition as America East Midfielder of the Year.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids sign forward Sydney Wathuta to a contract through June 2027, with two additional options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons.
Sydney Wathuta
Position: Forward
Height: 6-2
Weight: 180
Date of birth: July 11, 2004
Birthplace: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
