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.

Denver men’s soccer midfielder Sam Bassett named second-team All-American

December 9, 2023 at 2:04 p.m.

Sam Bassett now has an accolade that his older brother Cole, a Colorado Rapids midfielder, can't one up him on: Being an All American.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Jack Price celebrates ...

The Exit Interview with Jack Price: Former Colorado Rapids captain refutes explanation for his exit, sets sights on chasing trophies

December 8, 2023 at 5:56 p.m.

Out of everything Jack Price has missed about soccer over the last two injury-riddled seasons, it's the hunt for greatness with his teammates he's fixated on the most.

Former Colorado Rapids, USMNT goalkeeper Tim Howard elected to National Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2024

December 2, 2023 at 3:40 p.m.

The former Secretary of Defense is getting the call to the Hall of Fame on his first try.

New Colorado Rapids coach Chris Armas, right, speaks at his introductory news conference at Dick鈥檚 Sporting Goods Park on Thursday Nov. 30, 2023. Team president P谩draig Smith, listens. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Analysis: New Colorado Rapids coach Chris Armas presses for immediate turnaround in Commerce City. Can he deliver?

November 30, 2023 at 7:40 p.m.

The new era of Colorado Rapids soccer will be brash, in-your-face and Centennial State-approved.

Colorado goalkeeper William Yarbrough in the first half at Dignity Health Sports Park on August 17, 2021 in Carson, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Colorado Rapids announce year-end moves with some surprises

November 28, 2023 at 2:11 p.m.

There was a feeling the Colorado Rapids' year-end roster moves could be sizable. On Tuesday, those moves were confirmed by the club as it announced its formal decisions.

Manchester United's assistant coach Chris Armas during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Burnley at Old Trafford in Manchester, England, Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Colorado Rapids hire Chris Armas as 10th head coach in club history

November 17, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.

The Colorado Rapids named Chris Armas as their next head coach, the 10th in team history, in an announcement Friday morning.

Manchester United's American assistant coach Chris Armas, left, talks to Manchester United's manager Ralf Rangnick during the English Premier League soccer match between Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford stadium, in Manchester, England, Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

Colorado Rapids set to name Chris Armas head coach, sources say

November 16, 2023 at 7:25 p.m.

The Colorado Rapids are set to announce the hiring of Chris Armas as the club's next head coach on Friday, numerous club sources told The Denver Post.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett (23) in the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, July 8, 2023, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rapids homegrown, Littleton native Cole Bassett called up to U.S. Olympic camp; goalkeeper Adam Beaudry starts at U-17 World Cup

November 13, 2023 at 4:53 p.m.

It's been a long time coming, but Cole Bassett is trading in his burgundy-and-blue jersey for the Stars and Stripes.

Reports: Colorado Rapids in closing stages of coaching search as two new names listed

November 3, 2023 at 7:06 p.m.

It was awfully quiet on the Colorado Rapids coaching search front, but over the last 24 hours, things have heated up considerably.

United States forward Sophia Smith (11) competes for the ball with Colombia midfielder Manuela Vanegas, left, during the first half of an international friendly soccer match Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)

Windsor native Sophia Smith finishes 25th in 2023 Ballon d’Or F茅minin race

October 30, 2023 at 5:32 p.m.

Considering how long Sophia Smith could be a staple of the women's soccer world, a first crack at the Ballon d'Or F茅minin award on Monday didn't reflect how far she...

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