COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Sam Nicholson is healthy and has been playing well for the Colorado Rapids and newly appointed manager Robin Fraser. He has two goals and four assists in 1319 and has been a complementary piece to an improved Burgundy offense. It’s been a long road to get to this point.
Sam Nicholson Opens up on Injuries and Coming Back Stronger
Nicholson came to MLS in 2017, joining Minnesota United FC. He was traded mid-season of the following year. He joined a Rapids team that was in need of a boost offensively and he brought some offensive flare, whether he was playing on the wing or centrally.
“I’ve always been a wider player. Obviously last year I had to play more central. I don’t really mind as long as I’m playing,” Nicholson told Last Word on Soccer.
Nicholson became a favorite of then head coach Anthony Hudson. Unfortunately, Nicholson got hurt in the second game of a double game week in Southern California. From that game in August 2018 till March 2019, he would make just one appearance.
“The mental side of things. I had to be a bit more professional. I’m 24-years-old now. I had to realize that I need to start taking care of my body. It was obviously tough last year. I’m starting to take care of my body. The mental side’s been massive,” said Nicholson.
Nicholson went on to credit the Rapids physiology team for their work this past year as well as his teammates and family for their emotional support.
Having gotten his injury concerns under control, he’s appeared in every league match since the start of July. He’s become a great link-up player on the wing and a secondary chance creation/scoring option.
“Sam’s a special player. He does his job: Disrupt whoever’s playing at left back. When they’re in a wide position, just put it in the box,” said teammate and center forward Kei Kamara.
Nicholson provides variation in service that allows him to be dangerous and create danger for Kamara to feast on in front of goal.
As such, the attack for Colorado has been much improved this year. Nicholson has been a part of that. He’s finally had a good period of fitness and form. He’s in position to be a regular starter under Robin Fraser in 2020 for a team that could expect to compete for the playoffs.
He’s at a point where he and the club have him running into open space to help win games. That’s just what the club brought him here to do.
