Rapids 2 today announced the signing of 10 MLS NEXT Pro players to the 2022 roster, pending league and federation approval. Signing an amateur contract with Rapids 2 will allow the players, all current or former Rapids Academy products, to compete in MLS NEXT Pro competition without compromising their college eligibility.
“Our Academy, in cooperation with many of the clubs in Colorado soccer, has continually produced some very talented players. MLS Next Pro is a platform where we can challenge and evaluate these players through professional training and competition while enhancing future collegiate opportunities,” explained Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 General Manager.
The positionally balanced group includes goalkeepers Isaac Nehme and Adam Beaudry, defenders Steve Flores, Daniel Garcia and Vladimir Walent, midfielders Robinson Aguirre, Connor Miller, Maclovio Swett and Joaquin Torres and forward Nick Legendre.
Rapids 2 is an affiliate team of the Colorado Rapids playing in MLS NEXT Pro, which provides a defined pathway for youth players to reach the professional ranks. The new team will be composed of Rapids Academy products on amateur contracts, players signed directly to Rapids 2 and players on loan from the Rapids First Team. The first-ever Rapids 2 home opener is set for Sunday, March 27 at 4 p.m. MT against Sporting KC II. The full regular season will consist of 24 games, with 12 home games and 12 road games, to be followed by an eight-team playoff. The final day of the regular season will be on September 18.
TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids 2 sign 10 players to an amateur contract in MLS NEXT Pro.
Robinson Aguirre
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-9
Birthdate: November 23, 2004
Birthplace: Fairfax, Virginia
Nationality: USA
Adam Beaudry
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-9
Birthdate: April 18, 2006
Birthplace: O’Fallon, Missouri
Nationality: USA
Steve Flores
Position: Defender
Height: 5-7
Birthdate: November 3, 2003
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
Nationality: USA
Daniel Garcia
Position: Defender
Height: 5-8
Birthdate: August 19, 2004
Birthplace: Fort Collins, Colorado
Nationality: USA
Nicholas Legendre
Position: Forward
Height: 5-7
Birthdate: October 2, 2003
Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nationality: USA
Connor Miller
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-5
Birthdate: November 30, 2004
Birthplace: Harrogate, United Kingdom
Nationality: USA
Isaac Nehme
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5-8
Birthdate: March 22, 2004
Birthplace: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Nationality: USA
Maclovio Swett
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-4
Birthdate: May 26, 2004
Birthplace: Denver, Colorado
Nationality: USA
Andres (Joaquin) Torres
Position: Midfielder
Height: 5-8
Birthdate: January 4, 2004
Birthplace: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Nationality: USA
Vladimir Walent
Position: Defender
Height: 5-6
Birthdate: April 22, 2003
Birthplace: Carrefour, Haiti
Nationality: USA/Haiti
