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2021 Colorado Rapids Independent Press Corps Season Awards

colorado rapids season awards

EDITORIAL – Last Word on Soccer in conjunction with the Colorado Rapids independent media are excited to announce the fourth annual Colorado Rapids Independent Press Corps Season Awards. As the independent media covering this team, we take seriously the opportunity to cover the amazing 2021 Colorado Rapids season and constructively cover the club.

Contributors from Last Word on Soccer, Burgundy Wave, The Denver Post, The Denver Gazette, Rapids Rant, MLS Now, and Holding The High Line participated this year.

2021 Colorado Rapids Independent Press Corps Season Awards

This fourth year of awards consist of nine individual and three event/team awards based on relevancy and significance.

Player of the Year:

The most outstanding player for the club in 2021.
Winner: Jack Price
Runner-Up: Michael Barrios

Newcomer of the Year:

The most outstanding player who was in their first year with the club ever.
Winner: Michael Barrios

Young Player of the Year:

The most outstanding player aged 23 or younger as of January 1, 2021.
Winner: Auston Trusty
Runner-Up: Braian Galván

Underrated Player of the Year:

The most undervalued/unsung player.
Winner: Danny Wilson

Most Improved Player of the Year:

The player who is most improved between last season and this season. Players who were not with the Rapids first team in 2020 are eligible.
Winner: Auston Trusty

Loan Player of the Year:

The player who was the most outstanding while on loan away from the Rapids first team in 2021.
Winner: Kortne Ford
Runner-Up: Sebastian Anderson

Ford went on loan to San Antonio FC. He played regularly at center back, leading SAFC to a home game in the first round of the playoffs. They lost in the Conference Finals to Orange County SC. Ford recently started a GoFundMe for his mother Laurie, who’s ended her cancer treatment to focus on quality of life. “I’ve known them for my entire seven years here. There’s no stronger person than Laurie. [She and Kortne] are going to be a part of this club for a long time,” Rapids Executive Vice President and General Manager told Last Word.

Best Game of the Year:

The most impressive result or performance of the season.
Winner: 5-2 at home vs LAFC on November 7

Worst Game of the Year:

The least impressive/most disappointing result/performance.
Winner: 3-0 loss at Real Salt Lake on July 24

Aaaaaaaaaand, moving on.

Goal of the Year:

The most significant/memorable goal of the season, including PKs.
Winner: Michael Barrios at Portland Timbers on September 15 in a 2-2 draw. 

Play of the Year:

The most significant/memorable play of the year that was not a goal. Assists are eligible including assists to goals that are nominated for Goal of the Year.
Winner: Braian Galván’s assist to Mark-Anthony Kaye to win the August 21 game vs RSL

Story of the Year:

The most significant/memorable narrative/talking point around the club. 

Winner: Winning the Western Conference despite all the doubters, no All-Star, one Designated Player, and not being in first till Decision Day 

Quote of the Year:

The quote that stands out the most from any Rapids player, coach, or front office member.
Winner: “Roly Poly Dinky Doodle.” – Jack Price


The Rapids press corps still isn’t sure what exactly it means. That’s part of what makes it and Price so endearing.

Photo Credit: John A. Babiak @Photog_JohnB

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