The Colorado Rapids announced on Thursday that the club have re-signed midfielder and reigning MLS Rookie of the Year Dillon Powers to a multi-year contract extension. Per league and team policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed.
"Dillon had a tremendous rookie year with us, and all this season has shown steady improvement," said Rapids technical director Paul Bravo in a statement. "We are in the process of building the foundation of our club around players like Dillon – young, talented and intelligent. We're thrilled that he will be a part of the Rapids for years to come."
The 23-year-old Texan was drafted by the Rapids 11th overall out of Notre Dame in the first round of the 2013 MLS SuperDraft. Powers has contributed five goals and nine assists in 27 games this season, already surpassing his rookie numbers of five goals and six assists in 30 matches.
“I’m really happy to be at the heart of what we’re building here in Colorado,” said Powers. “I’m thankful to the organization, the Kroenke family, and the fans for their support in my first couple of years, and I’m looking forward to the future with the Rapids.”
Powers finished No. 11 in MLSsoccer.com's latest “24 Under 24” rankings of the league's top young players, one of three Rapids to earn a spot on that list along with Shane O'Neill and Deshorn Brown.
“I got the opportunity to briefly play alongside Dillon when he first came here, and he has amazing potential,” said Rapids head coach Pablo Mastroeni. “He’s been asked to fill some very big shoes with Drew Moor’s injury and has shown great maturity and responsibility in the midst of difficult results. I’m very proud of him and excited to see his career develop.”
