Rapids sign DU midfielder Sam Bassett to one-year deal

The dream is about to come true for the Bassett brothers.

After a successful college career with the University of Denver that ended with Sam Bassett leading the Pioneers to their second College Cup as a runner-up in the MAC Hermann Trophy, the midfielder signed a one-year contract Tuesday with the Colorado Rapids for the 2025 season.

The contract includes three consecutive one-year club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028.

The Littleton native’s signing seemed like a foregone conclusion after his local status left him ineligible for the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Although the club took a little longer than expected, the Bassett brothers, led by the Rapids star Cole, can finally play professionally with each other rather than watching from a distance.

“Growing up, we did everything together,” Sam Bassett told the Denver Post in September. “At the end of the day, we just want to play together and have a successful career.”

It is now a reality. And one that was deserved by a player who will remain among the best of the Pios.

Alongside a strong 2020 recruiting class, Sam Bassett has led a turnaround for the program that was first derailed by roster injuries in 2023.

For this reason, Bassett felt there was still much to do in 2024. And he wasn’t wrong. His Pioneers nearly won the Summit League title after an impressive 12-2-4 regular season. In the NCAA Tournament, Bassett notched three assists and an incredible goal in the College Cup semifinals against Vermont.

His efforts earned him a spot as one of three finalists for the MAC Hermann Trophy awarded to the best player in college football. Ohio State’s Michael Adedokun, who was picked 13th overall in the SuperDraft by Montreal, won the award.

In four years at DU, Bassett had 74 points with 24 goals and 26 assists – second, third and first, respectively, in DU history. In 2024, his nine goals and 13 assists were career highs. The latter was the third best in the country.

Bassett will join the team when the Rapids officially begin their pre-season on January 11. The club currently has five friendly matches behind closed doors on the pre-season program: three in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, then two in Palm Beach, Florida. will take place on January 19.

The Rapids begin the season with a CONCACAF Champions Cup match at home against LAFC on February 18. Their MLS regular season opener will take place at St. Louis CITY on February 22.

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