Colorado Rapids Celebrate Players with Season-Long Awards at Annual Gala, a Burgundy Affair

October 7, 2024 – Major League Soccer (MLS)
Colorado Rapids News Release

The Colorado Rapids honored players, staff and fans alike at their annual end-of-season gala, A Burgundy Affair, on Oct. 7. Here is a complete list of this season’s winners:

Academy Player of the Year presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods | Noah Strellnauer

At 17 years old, Strellnauer reached new heights with the Rapids, climbing to steady performances with Rapids 2. He made his debut with Rapids 2 in the team’s first game of the season against St. Louis CITY2 and didn’t look back, appearing in 25 more games and starting 20 of them. Strellnauer finished the Rapids 2 season with two goals and four assists.

Rapids 2 Player of the Year presented by Direct Edge | Daouda Amadou

In his third season with the club, Amadou brought a steadfast and calm presence to the Rapids 2 midfield game in and game out. He notched one assist over the course of the season while donning the captain’s armband multiple times. The Cameroonian will continue to make his impact on the Rapids’ pitch in the coming years, as he signed a two-year contract through 2025 with a club option for up to three additional years back in February. He is guaranteed to a first-team contract next year.

Rapids 2 Golden Boot presented by Ticketmaster | Marlon Vargas

Vargas’ appointment as Golden Boot winner comes at no surprise as the midfielder notched 10 goals for his side in 2024 prior to being loaned out to USL Championship side New Mexico United. The 23-year-old recorded the first goal of the Rapids 2 season, a 44th-minute goal against St. Louis CITY2, and continued to attack the net all season, including a brace against Austin FC II in August. He assisted on six other goals scored this season, and brought a vocal leadership to the center of the pitch.

Fan Favorite presented by American Family Insurance | Calvin Harris

You voted and we listened! In his second season with the Rapids Calvin Harris earned the honor of Fan Favorite from the Burgundy faithful for his commitment to the supporters. He took home the Man of the Match oar after his brace performance against Montréal at home and always made time postgame to sign autographs, take pictures and show love for the fans.

Defensive Player of the Year | Zack Steffen

Steffen broke onto the Rapids’ scene with a booming presence between the sticks to earn Defensive Player of the Year in his first season with the club. The goalkeeper recorded 112 saves in the total 2,970 minutes on the pitch so…