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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Colorado Rapids’ game versus Portland Timbers postponed due to severe weather
The fireworks were readied at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Much like the soccer game, neither lit off.

Colorado Rapids look threatening, lack finishing in 2-0 loss to St. Louis City as scoreless stretch drags to four games
Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser saw his side put out a stronger second-half performance after a brutal first 45 minutes Saturday against Western Conference leaders, St. Louis City.

As Dick’s Sporting Goods Park prepares for more heavy storms after Colorado Rapids’ postponement Wednesday, modern turf techniques will keep field in shape
The Colorado Rapids will have to wait until Saturday to play for their first home win of the 2023 MLS season.

Sophia Smith, Lindsey Horan named to USWNT 2023 FIFA World Cup squad, “We will do our absolute best to represent the state”
It's going to be a big summer ahead for a pair of Coloradans on the United States Women's National Team on the sport's biggest stage: the World Cup.

How Colorado Rapids’ Moïse Bombito used “gauntlet mentality” to go from community college to Canadian men’s national team
Since receiving a life-changing call late last week, Colorado Rapids rookie defender Moïse Bombito said he's been replaying one song over and over again on YouTube.

Colorado Rapids reduced to nine men in 2-0 loss to Orlando City as team feels “snake bitten” by red-card decisions
The Colorado Rapids have so much fuel and tenacity when they step onto the field that, at times, can spill over and can stand in the way of getting results.

Colorado Rapids defender Steven Beitashour reflects on 300th career MLS game: “I was close to falling through the cracks”
Steven Beitashour spent most of his soccer career being counted out.

New DU women’s soccer head coach Julianne Sitch eager to take program to new heights
For the first time in over three decades, the University of Denver women's soccer job opened up last month. Soccer circles noticed.

Highlands Ranch’s Shae Holmes used “good vibes only” mindset to overcome three ACL tears, embrace rookie season with OL Reign
Shae Holmes doesn't want to hear your wise cracks about having bad knees. Hers are so scarred up she's got two separate cadavers holding them together.

Colorado Rapids fail to convert penalty kick attempt in scoreless draw against San Jose Earthquakes
Even after going down a man early in the second half, the Colorado Rapids found a way to remain in the fight. It still didn't result in a first win...