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.

Antonee Robinson of the United States, left, and England's Mason Mount, second from left, walk on the pitch at the end of the World Cup group B soccer match between England and The United States, at the Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor , Qatar, Friday, Nov. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

USMNT Analysis: With likely record TV viewing audience watching, U.S. gets hard-earned point against England

November 25, 2022 at 5:10 p.m.

The ruling on the measuring stick has been given. As of Friday evening, the United States Men's National Team can compete with England.

Tyler Adams of the United States heads the ball during the World Cup, group B soccer match between the United States and Wales, at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Doha, Qatar, Monday, Nov. 21, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)

USMNT Analysis: Tale of two halves leads to dropped points in World Cup opener against Wales

November 21, 2022 at 5:37 p.m.

After 90-plus minutes, the first feeling after the full-time whistle sounded: a stinger. World Cup tension is back. And for better or worse, it was sorely missed.

United States Goalkeeper Ethan Horvath (12) ...

Colorado native Ethan Horvath’s journey to FIFA World Cup filled with sacrifice

November 20, 2022 at 5:45 a.m.

Well before sunrise a decade ago, Peter Horvath found himself at the back of a grocery store trying to gain a foothold, of all things, regarding the complexities of the...

HIGHLANDS RANCH, CO - NOVEMBER 18: Trey Stott (3) Valor Christian, eludes a host of Regis Jesuit defenders in the fourth quarter during the 2022 Colorado State 5A quarterfinal playoff football game at Valor Christian November 18, 2022. Valor won 45-28. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Class 5A quarterfinals: Trey Stott scores three times as No. 2 Valor Christian’s “creative” offense runs past No. 7 Regis Jesuit

November 19, 2022 at 10:30 a.m.

HIGHLANDS RANCH -- Even in frigid temperatures, one of the state's most consistent offenses caught fire for a third consecutive week.

Colorado Rapids midfielder Cole Bassett (26) ...

Colorado Rapids recall Littleton native Cole Bassett from loan: “If I am coming back to the Rapids, I’ll be fully focused here”

November 18, 2022 at 10:28 a.m.

While the professional club game is on hiatus for the impending 2022 FIFA World Cup, some players will get a chance to see family and friends they hadn't seen in...

Colorado Rapids forward Gyasi Zardes reacts after scoring a goal against Minnesota United in the first half of an MLS soccer match Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rapids set to announce new front-of-shirt sponsorship with UCHealth

November 13, 2022 at 4:10 p.m.

The days of a blank Colorado Rapids jersey will soon be over.

The Thompson Valley girls volleyball team celebrates its CHSAA 5A state championship win over Windsor at the Denver Coliseum. Thompson Valley won in straight sets 25-23, 25-20 and 25-21. (Photo by Andy Colwell/Special to The Denver Post)

Class 4A Volleyball: Thompson Valley fends off Windsor to claim second straight crown

November 12, 2022 at 11:03 p.m.

All teams like to win. The Thompson Valley High School girls volleyball team hates to lose.

The Valor Christian girls volleyball team celebrates their CHSAA 5A state championship win over Rock Canyon at the Denver Coliseum. Valor won in straight sets, 25-12, 25-19 and 25-23. (Photo by Andy Colwell/Special to The Denver Post)

Led by seniors Sasha Cohen, Erin McNair, Valor Christian’s dominant volleyball season rooted in playing for each other

November 12, 2022 at 11:00 p.m.

There is a phrase with Valor Christian volleyball that has resonated at every level of the program.

Colorado Rapids announce end-of-season roster decisions, protected players ahead of Expansion Draft

November 10, 2022 at 6:40 p.m.

It's been a quiet last month since the Colorado Rapids' season ended in mid-October.

Nottingham Forest goalkeeper Ethan Horvath celebrates ...

Ethan Horvath becomes first Coloradan to make USMNT FIFA World Cup roster

November 9, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.

The United States Men's National Team will make its 10th appearance at a FIFA World Cup in less than two weeks' time.

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