The Colorado Rapids announced on Apr. 15 that midfielder Nathan Tchoumba has been called up from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side, Rapids 2, under a Short-Term Agreement. Tchoumba will be available for selection in the Rapids’ Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha scheduled for Tuesday, April 14.
This move marks Tchoumba’s first of four permitted Short-Term Agreements for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The midfielder is currently in his first season with Rapids 2 after signing his initial professional contract on January 16 at age 15, making him the youngest player to sign with the second team.
According to the club announcement, “At the conclusion of his contract with Rapids 2, Tchoumba will join the first team as a Homegrown player with a contract through the 29-30 MLS season with club options for 30-31 and 31-32.” In this MLS NEXT Pro season so far, he has made four appearances totaling 226 minutes played.
Under current league rules, clubs may sign players aged 25 or younger from their affiliate teams to a maximum of four Short-Term Agreements per season. Each agreement can last up to four days and collectively cover no more than sixteen days per year. Players are allowed to appear in any number of non-league games during these agreements but may only participate in two regular-season matches each year.
Tchoumba was born in Aurora, Colorado on November 24, 2010 and stands at six feet three inches tall. He joined Rapids 2 on January 16 and is expected to continue developing within both squads as outlined by his new contracts.
