Brendan Ploen

Brendan Ploen is a freelance sports reporter for The Denver Post, covering the Colorado Rapids, Colorado soccer news, preps and more. He started writing for the publication in December 2020. He previously covered preps, outdoors and college sports for The Durango Herald from 2018-20, and before that, worked in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sports department. A Chicago native, he is a Marquette University graduate.

LAKEWOOD, CO - MAY 19: Rosie Mucharsky of Denver East high school gets a hug from a fellow competitor after winning the 5A girls 800 meter run during the second day of the 2023 Colorado state track and field championships at Jeffco Stadium on Friday May 19, 2023. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)

State Track and Field Day 2 Highlights: Denver East’s Rosie Mucharsky hits “Beast Mode” in 800-meter run; University’s Whyrick sweeps 3A throwing events

May 19, 2023 at 6:54 p.m.

In order for Denver East sophomore Rosie Mucharsky to hit "Beast Mode" during the Class 5A 800-meter run with a loaded field at JeffCo Stadium, she knew she had to...

Hurdlers jump while competing in the 3A boys 110-meter hurdles preliminary during the first day of the 2023 Colorado state track and field championships at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood on May 18, 2023. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)

Colorado state track meet, Day 2: Live results from Jeffco Stadium

May 19, 2023 at 7:00 p.m.

It抖阴ap Day 2 of the Colorado high school state track and field meet at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. The Denver Post is there throughout the weekend providing live coverage.

First place 4A pole vaulter Megan Kelleghan (right) of Silver Creek high school laughs on top of the podium with second place vaulter Taegan Olson (left) of Roosevelt high school during the first day of the 2023 Colorado state track and field championships at Jeffco Stadium on May 18, 2023. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)

State Track Day 1 Highlights: Heritage Christian’s Jack Nauman, a CU commit, wins 2A 3,200-meter run with crunch-time kick; Kelleghan becomes three-time state champion

May 19, 2023 at 12:16 a.m.

Jack Nauman knew his school moving up one classification would prove to be just the push he needed.

The Niwot high school 4A girls team celebrates after winning the 4A girls 3200 meter relay during the first day of the 2023 Colorado state track and field championships at Jeffco Stadium on May 18, 2023. The runners were Lex Bullen, Cayden Justice, Kendall Madine and Anna Prok. (Photo by Eric Lutzens/The Denver Post)

Colorado state track meet, Day 1: Live results from Jeffco Stadium

May 19, 2023 at 12:11 a.m.

It抖阴ap Day 1 of the Colorado high school state track and field meet at Jeffco Stadium in Lakewood. The Denver Post is there throughout the weekend providing live coverage.

Atlanta United piles it, thrashes Rapids 4-0 with three late goals

May 17, 2023 at 9:41 p.m.

Missing 10 men and on the road Wednesday night at Atlanta United, the Colorado Rapids were tactically set up to bunker in.

Colorado Rapids forward K茅vin Cabral (91) in the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, April 22, 2023, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rapids Notebook: MLS PA releases 2023 Rapids salaries; Colorado looks to get back on track against Atlanta

May 17, 2023 at 5:13 p.m.

On Tuesday, the Major League Soccer Players' Association released its first round of player salary data and fans got a first look at the Colorado Rapids' 2023 budget.

Rapids give up second-half goal in 2-1 loss to Philadelphia Union, remain winless at home in MLS play

May 14, 2023 at 8:11 p.m.

In a week that started off so well for the Colorado Rapids, it all boiled over late Saturday night at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

Sami Feller is in her rookie season with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL after starring for the University of Denver. (Photo courtesy of the Chicago Red Stars)

As Palisade’s Sami Feller navigates rookie season with Chicago Red Stars, long drives leading to pro career were worth it

May 13, 2023 at 10:17 a.m.

Sami Feller admits she doesn't want to know how many hours of her life were spent making the eight-hour round trip between Palisade and Denver.

As Colorado Rapids practice without Max Alves, agent addresses match manipulation allegations

May 11, 2023 at 8:22 p.m.

As rain-soaked skies darkened the campus around Dick's Sporting Goods Park on Thursday, there were few, if any, smiling faces as the Colorado Rapids went through a training session.

Colorado Rapids’ Max Alves implicated in Brazilian match manipulation scandal, according to report

May 11, 2023 at 3:04 p.m.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Max Alves is under investigation by Brazilian authorities in relation to an alleged match manipulation scandal, according to a report.

All Stories