Kimani Stewart-Baynes, Colorado Rapids #27 Forward: Career & Profile

You watch a young forward step onto the pitch, wearing number 27 for the Colorado Rapids, and you can just tell he’s built for more than hype. Kimani Stewart-Baynes, who came up through the University of Maryland, brings a mix of pace, precision, and poise that’s rare for a 20-year-old. He’s part of the new wave of Canadian talent making noise in Major League Soccer.

With every touch, his confidence grows. Whether he’s pressing high for the Rapids or getting valuable minutes with Lexington SC in the USL Championship, as the club’s loan announcement notes, you can see the development.

His journey from youth international duty with Canada to pro play in MLS shows a real, steady path—not just hype or social media buzz.

You’ll get a look at how Stewart-Baynes fits into the Rapids’ system, what his time with Rapids 2 and MLS Next Pro says about his growth, and how his international experience shapes his game. Each section adds to the picture of a forward learning on the fly and aiming high.

Kimani Stewart-Baynes: Player Profile

You see a young forward with technical skill, pace, and real calm in front of goal. Kimani Stewart-Baynes brings Canadian youth international experience and a professional mindset to every Colorado Rapids match.

His background, physical traits, and early development all play into how he’s quickly become one of Major League Soccer’s more promising young players.

Personal Background

Kimani Aidan Stewart-Baynes was born on January 17, 2005. He grew up balancing school and soccer, which isn’t always easy.

He went to the University of Maryland, played college soccer, and then jumped to the pro ranks. In college, he showed he could handle tougher competition and pressure moments.

You’ll spot him by his number 27 jersey for the Rapids. The club picked him in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, signing him alongside other top prospects.

He represents Canada at the youth international level, which says a lot about his growing importance in the national setup.

He’s still developing, getting minutes at different levels—including a loan to Lexington SC for 2025, as the Colorado Rapids mention. That move gives him steady playing time and a chance to sharpen his attacking instincts against older defenders.

Physical Attributes

Stewart-Baynes usually plays as a forward or left winger. He combines speed with tight control.

His quick acceleration lets him beat defenders on the flank, and his balance keeps him upright even when things get physical.

He stands about 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) and keeps a lean, athletic build. That suits him for quick transitions and pressing play.

His stamina lets him help out on both ends of the pitch for a full match.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Attribute	Detail
Height	5 ft 10 in (178 cm)
Position	Forward / Left Winger
Preferred Foot	Right
Club Number	27
Team	Colorado Rapids
Loan Club (2025)	Lexington SC

His physical profile fits the modern attacking role, where agility and awareness matter just as much as straight-line speed.

Place of Birth and Early Life

Stewart-Baynes was born in Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. He moved to Canada when he was young.

That move shaped his identity and playing style, mixing Caribbean flair with Canadian discipline.

He grew up in a soccer-heavy environment, joining youth academies that focused on technical skills and teamwork.

His early coaches noticed his drive and how quickly he learned from mistakes.

In Canada, he got into more structured training programs that set him up for college and pro soccer.

His dual background gives him a unique outlook—he values creativity but doesn’t ignore tactics.

His path from Kingstown to representing Canada at the youth level, as Wikipedia notes, shows steady growth and real commitment. That foundation keeps guiding his progress in MLS.

Colorado Rapids #27: Role and Impact

You see Kimani Stewart-Baynes as a young forward with technical skill, pace, and a presence that’s only growing in Major League Soccer. His early steps with the Colorado Rapids show promise as he gets first-team minutes and takes a loan designed to sharpen his game.

Signing and Contract Details

You probably first heard of Stewart-Baynes when the Colorado Rapids picked him in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. That pick showed the club’s commitment to youth.

He signed his first pro contract soon after, joining a team that values both development and competition among its forwards.

Before turning pro, he played college soccer at the University of Maryland. His quickness and ability to attack from wide spots stood out to scouts.

His signing lined up with the Rapids’ strategy: bring in young, high-upside players to balance out the veterans.

The deal keeps him under team control for a few seasons. The Rapids built in standard MLS options so both sides have some flexibility.

By signing him early, Colorado gets the chance to shape his progress and keep the roster balanced.

Jersey Number and Position

He wears #27 for the Rapids. That number’s getting familiar to fans who watch him stretch defenses and press high.

He mainly plays as a left winger, but coaches sometimes use him as a forward in a two-striker setup.

His left-footed control and burst make him a natural on the wing, where he can cut inside or whip in a cross. The Rapids like his versatility, especially since tactical flexibility can decide games in MLS.

During training, he works on off-ball movement and linking up with midfielders. Those details matter in MLS, where timing and spacing can create big chances.

Wearing #27 brings both opportunity and pressure for a player still figuring out his best role up front.

First Team Appearances

Stewart-Baynes got his first first-team minutes in preseason and cup matches. Coaches praised his energy and calmness.

In the 2025 preseason, he scored in a 1–1 draw against D.C. United, finishing under pressure.

He also played for Rapids 2, the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side, and scored the only goal in a win over St. Louis CITY2.

These minutes built his confidence and gave coaches a better look at how close he is to regular MLS action.

Season	Team	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	Colorado Rapids	MLS	5	0	1
2025	Rapids 2	MLS NEXT Pro	6	2	0

Each match added to his understanding of the pro game’s speed and physicality. You can see how this experience shapes how he reads the game and reacts in the Rapids’ pressing system.

Loan to Lexington SC

In 2025, the Rapids sent Stewart-Baynes on loan to Lexington SC in the USL Championship for the rest of the season. The club kept the right to recall him whenever, which gives them some roster flexibility.

The move, as the official site reports, is all about steady playing time and long-term development.

If you’re following his career, this loan shows the club trusts his potential. He joins a tough league where attackers face experienced defenders and all kinds of playing styles.

Lexington SC gets a fast, skilled winger, and Colorado keeps a close eye on his progress.

The Rapids believe this environment will help him make quicker decisions and build stamina. If the loan goes well, he could return ready for a bigger MLS role, continuing his rise from college standout to pro contributor.

MLS Next Pro and Rapids 2 Experience

You notice how Kimani Stewart-Baynes has built his reputation with steady growth, skillful play, and real effort. His time with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro shows how young players can turn potential into results through minutes, goals, and calm under pressure.

Professional Debut

You might remember Stewart-Baynes making his pro debut on March 17, 2023, for Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. That game marked his jump from youth and college soccer at Maryland to the pro stage.

He adjusted quickly to the speed and physical play of the pros. Early matches showed off his technical control and knack for finding space on the wings.

By the time he joined the Rapids’ first team, he’d learned how to control the tempo and make decisions against older defenders. That debut season gave him the base to build confidence and adapt to MLS NEXT Pro demands.

Key Early Milestone:

• Professional debut: March 17, 2023
• College: University of Maryland
• Position: Forward / Winger

Performance with Rapids 2

You can track Stewart-Baynes’ growth by his numbers and consistency for Rapids 2. In the 2025 season, he put in 742 minutes over 12 games and scored four goals, according to the Colorado Rapids’ announcement.

He focused on efficiency, not just volume. He averaged a goal about every 185 minutes—a solid rate for a young forward.

His off-ball movement and pressing helped Rapids 2 keep structure in attack and transition.

Season	Appearances	Minutes	Goals	Assists	Competition
2025	12	742	4	0	MLS NEXT Pro
2024	6	310	0	1	MLS NEXT Pro

That production set up his loan to Lexington SC in the USL Championship, where he’ll face tougher competition and keep growing.

MLS Next Pro Highlights

One of Stewart-Baynes’ best moments came when he scored from distance to give Rapids 2 the lead against St. Louis City 2, as the match recap shows. That goal really captured his confidence and shooting range.

He also hit a late winner against Real Monarchs, sealing a 2–1 victory and showing calm when it mattered most. Moments like these built his reputation as a reliable finisher and a player who steps up under pressure.

Through MLS NEXT Pro, you see how Stewart-Baynes sharpened his instincts. His time with Rapids 2 gave him real experience with pro match tempo, tactical awareness, and finishing.

On-Field Performance and Playing Style

You see Kimani Stewart-Baynes as a young forward who values pace, control, and smart positioning. His approach is disciplined, and his movement shows a player learning how to balance creativity with tactical awareness.

Scoring Ability and Goals

You’ll notice Stewart-Baynes’s scoring record is still a work in progress. In his early Major League Soccer games for the Colorado Rapids, he logged just a handful of minutes and didn’t find the net in league play, at least according to ESPN stats.

That’s pretty normal for a 20-year-old still learning the ropes of pro soccer.

He leans on his quick burst and a strong left foot to carve out shooting chances. Growing up in Canadian youth soccer, he learned to hit from tight angles and react fast in crowded spots.

When you watch him, you’ll see he likes to take on defenders head-on instead of waiting for the perfect pass. That directness can mean he loses the ball sometimes, but it also shows he’s not afraid to try things.

His next step? Turning those moments into real production.

Season	Team	Games	Goals	Shots	Shots on Target
2024 MLS	Colorado Rapids	4	0	2	0
2025 MLS	Colorado Rapids	1	0	0	0

Key Matches

You can track Stewart-Baynes’s growth through a few important games. He made his MLS debut in 2024, coming on late for the Rapids in some tight contests.

He didn’t score, but he brought energy and didn’t look rattled under pressure.

Against Western Conference teams, he pressed high and forced defenders into mistakes. That hustle gave his side extra chances upfield.

His time with Colorado Rapids 2 and his loan to Lexington SC in 2025 gave him more minutes and a real shot at sharpening his finishing in real matches.

Each game added a little more to his experience, helping him get used to MLS speed and defensive tactics.

Assists and Attack Contribution

You’ll see Stewart-Baynes making an impact mostly with his movement and quick passing. He picked up a single assist in the 2024 MLS season, even though he didn’t play a ton.

He often drifts out wide to pull defenders, which opens up space for the other forwards. That sort of awareness helps his teammates and makes the Rapids’ counterattacks more dangerous.

When he keeps his passes simple and looks for quick give-and-go’s near the box, his accuracy goes up.

During attacking plays, he presses early, tracks back if needed, and stays ready for rebounds. Transfermarkt lists him as a left winger, but he’s comfortable moving inside if the coach asks.

That flexibility means he fits into different systems and stays in the mix for more MLS minutes.

International Career with Canada

Kimani Stewart-Baynes has started to carve out a steady spot in Canada’s youth setup. His speed, awareness, and finishing have earned him a place on the international stage and given him tournament experience that’s shaping him as a pro.

Canadian Youth National Team

You might have first spotted Stewart-Baynes with the Canadian youth national team after his strong freshman year at the University of Maryland. His call-up showed off his technical skills and his cool head.

He was born in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines but grew up in Toronto, bringing a mix of Caribbean creativity and Canadian discipline to his game.

Coaches liked how he could stretch defenses and make room for others.

He got invites to training camps and youth friendlies, usually playing as a left winger or up front. In high school, he ran the 100 meters in 11 seconds, so it’s no surprise he fit right in with Canada’s fast, attacking style.

Year	Team Level	Matches	Goals	Assists
2023	Canada U-20	5	2	1
2024	Canada U-20	3	1	1

CONCACAF U-20 Championship Participation

You might’ve caught Stewart-Baynes gaining real tournament experience when Canada played in the 2024 CONCACAF Under-20 Championship Qualifiers down in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. The Colorado Rapids covered his call-up, which was a big deal since the event led right into the main summer championship.

He joined Canada’s Group D, facing off against Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. The games came fast, with matches packed into just four days.

Stewart-Baynes helped with pressing, quick passing, and smart runs behind defenders.

Canada finished top of the group and moved on, and for a young player just starting out in MLS, those high-pressure minutes really mattered.

International Appearances

You can follow Stewart-Baynes’s international journey through his steady work with Canada’s youth teams. He’s mostly played at the Under-20 level, where his attacking flexibility really shows.

Early on, he came off the bench to add speed late in games. As he got more confident, he started earning starts and chipped in goals during important qualifiers.

Canada Soccer continues to keep tabs on him as they plan for future senior squads. His mix of college success, pro experience with the Colorado Rapids, and time with the national team makes him one of the more interesting young forwards coming up in Canada.

Schedule, Watching, and Fan Engagement

If you want to keep up with Kimani Stewart-Baynes, you can check match schedules, watch games online, or catch highlights. Fans can also show up at games to see how the Colorado Rapids forward is coming along since his days at the University of Maryland.

Upcoming Games and Schedule

The Colorado Rapids play a full MLS season from late February through October. You can always find the latest match times and results on the official Rapids schedule.

For 2025, Stewart-Baynes might split his time between the Rapids and Lexington SC, where he’s currently out on loan. The Rapids can call him back whenever they want, so you’ll want to keep an eye on updates.

Here’s a quick look at some upcoming games:

Date	Opponent	Competition	Venue
Jul 14, 2025	Vancouver Whitecaps FC II	MLS Next Pro	Commerce City, CO
Aug 2, 2025	Austin FC	MLS Regular Season	Q2 Stadium
Aug 10, 2025	Real Salt Lake	MLS Regular Season	Dick’s Sporting Goods Park

Checking the team’s online calendar helps you stay on top of lineup changes or possible national team call-ups.

How to Watch and Follow

You can catch Colorado Rapids games on MLS Season Pass through Apple TV, which streams every match live and on demand. Local channels sometimes air games too, depending on where you are.

If you’re on the go, the MLS app and MLS GO give you live scores, player stats, and quick news. You can keep tabs on Stewart-Baynes’s appearances and minutes on ESPN’s player page.

Social media, especially Instagram and X (formerly Twitter), offers behind-the-scenes stuff like training videos and post-match reactions. Following the Rapids’ official accounts is the best way to get accurate updates.

Tickets and Stadium Experience

You can buy single-game or season tickets straight from the Colorado Rapids website. Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, has reserved seats, family areas, and group deals.

The stadium has an open feel, so you get a good view from almost anywhere. Parking’s on-site, and fans usually show up early for the pregame fun.

For younger fans, MLS GO sometimes runs clinics or special events on matchdays, giving kids a shot to meet players like Stewart-Baynes.

Video Highlights

You can check out match recaps and player highlights on MLSsoccer.com. The Rapids’ official YouTube channel usually posts these too.

These clips often show Stewart-Baynes’s goals, assists, and big moments from both MLS and USL Championship games.

For quick updates, the team shares highlight reels and interviews on social media just a few hours after each match.

If you’re into more detailed breakdowns, Sofascore and Transfermarkt post match ratings and stats. You’ll see how Stewart-Baynes helps out in attack, even on days when he doesn’t find the net.