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.

Fans welcome the Colorado Rapids to the pitch for an MLS soccer match against Sporting Kansas City on Saturday, March 4, 2023, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rapids Notebook: Rapids 2 gears up for playoffs; coaching search comes down to five candidates

October 6, 2023 at 3:50 p.m.

When Colorado Rapids 2 general manager Brian Crookham began building out the future pipeline of the organization in November of 2021, he was hoping it'd lead to moments like this...

Rapids vs Austin FC Takeaways: Colorado plays spoiler as Sebastian Anderson shines in start, Andreas Maxs酶 scores

September 30, 2023 at 11:41 p.m.

The Colorado Rapids might not think of themselves as spoilers. However, the rest of Major League Soccer certainly sees the role they can play down the stretch.

Rapids Takeaways: Colorado comeback falls short as Vancouver Whitecaps equalizes late

September 28, 2023 at 7:58 a.m.

The Rapids are out of the playoffs and a tie didn't do either team any favors.

Kristen McNabb of San Diego Wave FC and Sophia Smith, front, of Portland Thorns FC race for the ball during the NWSL semifinals at Providence Park on October 23, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Amanda Loman/Getty Images)

As NWSL announces 15th team this week, For Denver FC group continues “making tremendous progress” toward formal bid

September 22, 2023 at 3:15 p.m.

The wheels of a future professional women's soccer team in Denver are churning, and there are no signs of slowing down.

Rapids takeaways: Colorado dogged by slow start again as Seattle Sounders win 2-1

September 21, 2023 at 8:54 a.m.

COMMERCE CITY -- If the Colorado Rapids don't get off to a good start, it usually does not end well.

Takeways: Rapids beat New England Revolution as Centennial 38, fans walk out en masse

September 17, 2023 at 4:19 p.m.

COMMERCE CITY -- On a night with so much angst inside Dick's Sporting Goods Park from the fans, it was the players who kept their cool.

A fan waves a Colorado state flag while cheering for the Colorado Rapids in the first half of an MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rapids fans sound off on state of club as turbulent 2023 season rolls on

September 16, 2023 at 5:45 a.m.

After years of frustration, Colorado Rapids fans have reached a boiling point.

Colorado Rapids, Josh Kroenke address supporters’ frustration as Centennial 38 letter hits home for fans

September 14, 2023 at 4:50 p.m.

The Colorado Rapids' largest independent supporters group did not mince words with an open letter Thursday. Hours later, neither did the vice chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, Josh Kroenke.

Arapahoe Warriors defenders Tyson Watson (18) and Charlie Eckhardt takes down Regis Jesuit Raiders WR JoJo Hernandez (14) in the second quarter at Littleton Public Schools Stadium September 08, 2023. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

No. 7 Arapahoe utilizes Trajan Frasier as sophomore back shows out against No. 2 Regis Jesuit

September 8, 2023 at 10:50 p.m.

Arapahoe already has one big-time offensive player in senior wide receiver Charlie Eckhardt. On Friday in a Class 5A top-10 showdown, it was sophomore Trajan Frasier who delivered.

Padraig Smith, general manager of the Colorado Rapids, looks on in the first half of an MLS soccer match Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rapids Notebook: Interim head coach Chris Little stresses togetherness in first media availability; P谩draig Smith knows attributes for future coach

September 8, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

Colorado Rapids interim head coach Chris Little has one goal in mind for his eight games in charge of a desperate club in desperate times: Break the downward spiral.

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