The Colorado Rapids have signed forward Sydney Wathuta to a first-team contract that runs through June 2027, with options for the 2027-28 and 2028-29 seasons. Wathuta is the seventh player to join the Rapids’ First Team after previously playing for Rapids 2 on a standalone agreement.
Wathuta’s rights were acquired by the club during the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, where he was selected as the 16th overall pick from the University of Vermont.
“We’re excited to continue Sydney’s progression within our organization,” said Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor. “He’s shown consistent growth at the professional level, and his performances in MLS NEXT Pro and first-team competitions have demonstrated his ability to contribute in a meaningful way. Sydney has earned this opportunity through his work and production.”
During the 2025 season with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, Wathuta made 18 appearances, scored six goals, and provided four assists in regular season play. He also contributed two assists in four playoff matches.
“We’ve been impressed with what Sydney has shown since stepping into our environment,” said Colorado Rapids Head Coach Matt Wells. “He’s taken advantage of the foundation that was built through Rapids 2, and he has made a positive impression on me in these first few weeks. He has a lot of potential and now he must focus on turning up every day at work to maximize that. We look forward to helping him continue his development.”
Wathuta made his Major League Soccer debut during the 2025 season against Atlanta United and played a full match against Cruz Azul in Leagues Cup action.
Before joining the professional ranks, Wathuta spent two seasons at the University of Vermont. There, he helped lead his team to an NCAA Division I National Championship in 2024. Over his college career, he played in 39 matches—starting 34—and recorded three goals along with fifteen assists. In particular, his fourteen-assist campaign during the 2024 season set a school record for single-season assists and ranked second nationally among NCAA Division I players.
Wathuta received America East First Team All-Conference honors and was named America East Midfielder of the Year.
Sydney Wathuta is originally from Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. He stands six feet two inches tall and weighs 180 pounds.
The transaction brings another young talent into Colorado’s roster as they prepare for upcoming seasons.
