During the ‘ 1-0 loss to Atlanta United on Saturday, Sebastian Anderson became the youngest player in club history to make an MLS appearance. The 16-year-old, who turns 17 in August, started on defense and played 80 minutes.
Anderson became the 26th youngest player in MLS history to sign a contract when he did so April 3. The Highlands Ranch native had been available for selection but had not played until Saturday when became the ninth-youngest player to start a match in MLS history.
“For the first five minutes, it was kind of, ‘just do the right thing, be super aware of everything.’ Then once the game kind of settled in it was more of like, ‘I’m playing around with some of the guys I watched on TV, this is crazy,’ ” Anderson said. “But I have a job to do and I know what I need to do to help the team.”
Anderson played right back and roved his way up the field several times, even recording a shot.
“I thought he did really well,” fellow Rapids homegrown player said. “He looked confident, he played positively. I think he was definitely up for it, so congratulations to him and I think he has a bright future.”
Anderson did struggle at times, including when Atlanta scored its lone goal via Julian Gressel in the 74th minute in the area of the Rapids youngster.
Youngest MLS debuts
| Player | Team | Age |
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| Freddy Adu | D.C. United | 14 years, 334 days |
| Alphonso Davies | Whitecaps KC | 15 years, 327 days |
| Gianluca Busio | Sporting KC | 16 years, 68 days |
| Nikolas Besagno | Real Salt Lake | 16 years, 201 days |
| Diego Fagundez | NE Revolution | 16 years, 229 days |
| Eddie Gaven | MetroStars | 16 years, 232 days |
| Santino Quaranta | D.C. United | 16 years, 242 days |
| George Bello | Atlanta United | 16 yeras, 243 days |
| Sebastian Anderson | Colorado Rapids | 16 years, 266 days |
