TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Signing
The Colorado Rapids have signed forward Darren Yapi to a Homegrown deal, the club announced Wednesday. At 16 years and 104 days old, Yapi is now the youngest signing in club history.
Yapi, 16, signed a USL Championship contract with the club's affiliate Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC last year and made his professional debut on August 1, before being named Rapids academy player of the year.
“Darren’s ability and quality has been evident throughout his time in our academy,” Rapids EVP & GM Pádraig Smith said in a club statement. “He’s worked hard to earn his first pro contract and is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He possesses all the necessary qualities to reach the very top of the game and we’re excited to see Darren’s continued growth at the club.”
Yapi scored 64 goals in 95 appearances for the Rapids Academy, often playing above his age group. He is a US youth international, most recently with the U-17s.
