February 5, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS) – Colorado Rapids News Release
To say the Colorado Rapids’ offseason has been busy is nothing short of an understatement. But perhaps no move generated as much excitement with those faithful to the Burgundy and Blue than the reintroduction of Sam Vines, a Colorado Homegrown coming back to the club that jumpstarted his professional career.
The left back reentered the Colorado scene in a whirlwind few days of flying into Denver from Belgium, participating in a media day at the stadium, then immediately taking off for Querétaro.
An unexpected hiccup of five of his and his fiancée’s 15 checked bags getting lost by the airline was corrected days after he’d already embarked on the preseason journey, leaving him to pack only some of the basics and rely on team-provided gear for most of his preseason wardrobe.
Despite the hurried introductions, Vines was immediately ready to get going with the club that gave him his first professional contract.
“I think they’ve done well in the offseason to find different players that have been overseas, on the national team and different guys coming in,” he said. “I think they’ve done really well in creating a good team. I think the environment has been pretty good, too. I’m just excited to get going, to be honest. I want to get back and start the season already.”
Vines returns to Colorado after two and a half years with Royal Antwerp F.C., rejoining his boyhood club with a contract guaranteed to keep the left back at altitude though 2027.
The signing process was a quick one, as Vines discussed how his future would turn with family at the end of December and made the solid decision to return about a week before the news broke. A matter of weeks stood between a decision to move himself and his fiancée back stateside and a leap back into MLS, a league that has considerably grown in influence and popularity since he’d left in 2021.
Talks were had between him and a multitude of voices from the club: President Pádraig Smith, longtime friend and teammate Cole Bassett, and technical staff members.
A conversation with Head Coach Chris Armas solidified what Vines was already considering-that a move back to the Rapids would bring him what he desired from football again.
“At the end of the day, I want to enjoy playing football again,” he said. “So for me, it was a good time to come back. I know that they’re bringing a lot of players that I know and I played with from the past, and I know that…
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