The Colorado Rapids have added more talent to an already-heavily turned over roster, while keeping some high-level homegrowns in town.
After announcing an extension for midfielder Cole Bassett and signing Rapids 2 goalkeeper Adam Beaudry to the first team earlier this week, the club acquired midfielder Jasper Löffelsend from Rocky Mountain Cup rivals Real Salt Lake.
With more moves likely to come in the coming weeks, the Rapids are in the midst of a very busy transfer window in an attempt to improve on a club-worst 2023 season.
Club finds a starting-caliber six from rivals
Colorado landed Löffelsend in a trade with RSL, league sources confirmed to The Denver Post
In exchange, the Rapids gave up a 2024 international roster slot, 2025 second-round draft pick and up to $100,000 in conditional General Allocation Money should Löffelsend reach certain performance metrics.
A native of Cologne, Germany, Löffelsend played for two years at Pitt before being selected by RSL in the third round of the 2022 MLS SuperDraft. As a rookie, he tallied a goal and five assists in 30 matches. Last season, he recorded a goal and two assists in 21 matches.
Homegrown star inked through 2027
The Rapids announced Tuesday that the club has secured Bassett to a four-year extension that will keep him in Colorado through 2027.
The 22-year-old Littleton native has recorded 19 goals and 12 assists in 97 appearances since debuting for the Rapids late in the 2018 season. Last year, he led the team in goals with six, four of which came in the final eight games of the campaign.
“We are absolutely delighted to sign Cole to a long-term deal and keep him here at home,” Rapids President Pádraig Smith said. “Having witnessed his growth within our community and abroad in Europe, we’re thrilled to secure his talents for the team’s future success. His dedication and skill embody the spirit of our local youth, and we’re excited to see him continue to flourish in the years to come.”
Beaudry earns first-team contract
The Rapids 2 homegrown goalkeeper had his best campaign last year on the way to being named a finalist for MLS NEXT Pro’s 2023 goalkeeper of the year.
For his efforts, Beaudry was rewarded with a four-year deal with the first team, with a club option for an additional two years, the club announced Wednesday. He becomes the 17th homegrown player in club history.
The 17-year-old Castle Pines native notched three clean sheets in 16 matches while allowing 25 goals. He was integral in the team’s ascension to the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference, where they lost to eventual champions Austin FC II in penalties in the conference finals.
Beaudry earned a spot on the U.S. Men’s Youth National Team to compete in the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where the team fell to Germany in the round of 16. In six appearances for the USMYNT, he has two clean sheets.
“We have been very impressed by Adam’s work ethic and unwavering commitment to learning. His extensive experience on the youth international stage adds tremendous value to his skill set,” Smith said. “He’s got a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to seeing his continued development here at home with the club.”
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