Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the signings of two Colorado natives who will become the ninth and tenth development academy players to sign first team contracts with the Rapids. The Rapids signed both 21-year-old defender Sam Raben and 18-year-old forward Matt Hundley to guaranteed contracts.
“Today we take another step forward with the signings of Colorado natives Sam Raben and Matt Hundley,” said Colorado Rapids’ Executive Vice President and General Manager Pádraig Smith. “With the support of their families and our academy coaches both of these young men take the next step in their professional careers.”
Raben, has represented the Rapids Development Academy at the U-18/19 level. The Greenwood Village-born Raben was a member of the Rapids’ U-23 team in the Premier Development League (PDL) during the 2017 and 2018 seasons. In college, Raben made 91 starts for Wake Forest, tied for third most in program history, helping his team to 46 clean sheets during that time.
Hundley, from Littleton, Colorado, has featured for the Rapids’ U-18/19 Development Academy team. The talented striker concluded his freshman year at UCLA with 19 appearances, 14 from the start. He led the team in scoring with five goals and contributed seven assists. Hundley has been a part of the U-17 and U-19 US national teams and is part of this month’s U-19 youth national team January camp.
The Rapids will officially welcome Sam and Matt to the club at a press event on Tuesday at DICK’S Sporting Goods Park. Stay tuned to ColoradoRapids.com and the Rapids social channels for the latest information.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids – January 11, 2019 – Rapids sign forward Matt Hundley to a four-year contract and defender Sam Raben to a one-year contract. Hundley and Raben will be added to the Rapids supplemental roster as Homegrown players.
Full Name: Matt Hundley
Age: 18
Position: Forward
Height: 5’10”
Weight: 160
Birth Date: May 11, 2000
Birthplace: Littleton, Colorado
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
Full Name: Sam Raben
Age: 21
Position: Defender
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 165
Birth Date: May 11, 1997
Birthplace: Birmingham, Alabama
Hometown: Greenwood Village, Colorado
