Rapids 2 Tracker: Markanich, Anderson and Yapi Headline Contributions with the First Team

June 7, 2022 – MLS NEXT Pro (MLS NEXT Pro) – Colorado Rapids 2 News Release

During the inaugural season for Colorado Rapids 2, the Rapids’ first team has been the beneficiary of the club’s young players getting an opportunity for increased playing time. Thanks to increased match experience from MLS NEXT Pro games, players with eligibility for the first team and Rapids 2 (“first team loans”) have been making regular contributions and debuts throughout the first half of the season. Here’s a look at some of the players already making an impact in MLS NEXT Pro and at the MLS level:

ANTHONY MARKANICH

Defender

Anthony Markanich has been a staple of the Rapids 2 squad this season, playing in four matches for a total of 360 minutes on the pitch. Markanich recently made his Rapids first team debut in the team’s U.S. Open Cup match versus Minnesota United. Since then, the Rapids defender also premiered in his first MLS match where he logged 90 minutes against the Seattle Sounders in a 1-0 victory.

ABRAHAM RODRIGUEZ

Goalkeeper

Rapids 2 starting goalkeeper Abraham Rodriguez has made his stamp on the MLS NEXT Pro season serving as captain of the inaugural squad for seven of the team’s eight games. Playing 630 minutes for the second team, Rodriguez has been an exceptional leader from the back as the team looks to build out its defense with new additions to the roster.

SEBASTIAN ANDERSON

Defender

Playing in seven matches for Rapids 2, Sebastian Anderson has been a stalwart of the Colorado backline. In his 596 minutes on the pitch, the defender has been a steady presence on set pieces, having serviced 19 corner kicks so far this season. Anderson also added one assist in the team’s April 10 match versus North Texas SC. In addition, Anderson has spent ample time training with the Rapids first team and recording availability as a first team substitute on multiple occasions this year.

DARREN YAPI

Striker

Tied with Yosuke Hanya and Dantouma (Yaya) Toure for the lead in Rapids 2 goals, Darren Yapi has recorded two goals during the 2022 MLS NEXT Pro season thus far. The homegrown forward has started and played in seven matches this season and leads the team in shots with 20 to his name. On March 12, 2022, Yapi made his MLS debut, replacing Michael Barrios in the 88th minute of Colorado Rapids’ 2-0 home win over Sporting KC.

DANTOUMA “YAYA” TOURE

Striker

Dantouma (Yaya) Toure has been a key player for Rapids 2 as the team takes on its inaugural season in MLS NEXT Pro. Having played 537…