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.
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For Colorado School of Mines football players the transfer portal has never been tempting: “It’s a really special group of guys”
As Colorado School of Mines teammates circled around the two, wide receiver Josh Johnston lined up against fellow Pacific Northwest freshman and outside linebacker Mack Minnehan for a drill in...

Rapids Notebook: Steven Beitashour re-signs on a 1-year deal, MLS schedule release date confirmed
With a busy last stretch before the holidays, Major League Soccer clubs are still in the midst of shaping rosters for 2023.

Striker Gyasi Zardes leaves Colorado Rapids for Western Conference rival Austin FC
With an opportunity to pick his next landing spot, Gyasi Zardes opted against returning to the Colorado Rapids.

Colorado School of Mines reaches NCAA Division II title game behind dominant defense, electric John Matocha
Behind a stellar defensive effort and quarterback John Matocha's five touchdown passes, the Colorado School of Mines football team rolled past Shepherd in the NCAA Division II semifinals.

John Matocha’s magnificent play pushes Colorado School of Mines football to second straight Division II semifinal
Led by quarterback John Matocha, a Harlon Hill Trophy finalist for the best player in Division II, Colorado School of Mines is in the Division II semifinals for the second...

Colorado Rapids acquire Kévin Cabral from LA Galaxy for $1 million in GAM, will occupy a Designated Player spot
The Colorado Rapids made a big splash Thursday as the team acquired Kévin Cabral from LA Galaxy for $1 million in General Allocation Money.

5A football: Valor Christian rallies around junior linebacker Chase Zimmerman to play Creek close
While junior linebacker Chase Zimmerman's leg was placed in an air cast and was preparing to be carted off with his father beside him, his teammates came over to give...

USMNT Analysis: Netherlands capitalizes on mistakes in 3-1 win in Round of 16 as Americans turn to 2026
The dream for the young Americans at the 2022 FIFA World Cup is over. Again, it ends in the Round of 16.

Colorado Rapids decline transfer option on U22 Initiative defender Lucas Esteves, Brazilian will return to Palmeiras
The Colorado Rapids passed up on a significant deadline Thursday, and with it, an up-and-coming defender will return to Brazil.

USMNT Analysis: With Americans agonizingly counting down for full-time whistle, U.S. defends and advances to knockout stage
Call it what you will, nerve-wracking or sheer nerves during the final 20 minutes of the United States Men's National Team's FIFA World Cup Group B finale against Iran on...