Cole Bassett, Colorado Rapids #23 Midfielder: Career & Impact

You follow Colorado Rapids soccer because you appreciate players who shape the game with skill and consistency. Cole Bassett, wearing #23, really fits that mold. The midfielder from Littleton, Colorado, brings energy, vision, and control—he keeps the Rapids fighting in every match. Bassett’s steady climb from academy hopeful to midfield leader shows what it means to truly grow within a club’s system.

Bassett joined the Rapids as a Homegrown signing back in 2018, after coming up through the academy and Colorado Rush. His path proves that local talent can thrive with the right structure and mindset. Over time, he’s picked up recognition all over Major League Soccer, like Team of the Week honors and spots on the MLS 22 Under 22 list.

You notice how his years with the Rapids, his experience with the U.S. Men’s National Team, and his growth as a playmaker set him apart. His journey from high school standout to professional midfielder at Colorado Rapids makes him one of the most reliable young talents in American soccer.

Cole Bassett’s Role as #23 Midfielder for Colorado Rapids

You see a player who combines technical skill with a ton of endurance, shaping Colorado’s midfield identity. Wearing number 23, Cole Bassett balances creativity and discipline, linking defense to attack and setting the tone for younger players.

Position and Playing Style

As a central midfielder for the Colorado Rapids, Bassett thrives in an attacking role that asks for awareness and precision. He positions himself between lines, always ready to press or create space for teammates.

He plays with a high work rate, covering more ground than most. His passing accuracy and timing help the Rapids keep control in transition.

You notice his knack for late runs into the box, a skill that’s produced some pretty important goals in his MLS career.

Bassett plays like a modern box-to-box midfielder. He supports the back line in recovery and helps with build-up play. His composure under pressure and his ability to read tempo make him a reliable link between defense and attack.

He went to Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colorado before joining the Rapids Academy. That background shaped his understanding of movement and positioning at the pro level.

Significance of Jersey Number 23

When you spot Bassett in the number 23, it’s more than just a number—it’s part of his identity. The number has been with him since he signed his Homegrown contract in 2018.

That jersey connects him to the club’s vision of developing local talent. For young Colorado fans, number 23 is a reminder that a kid from the academy can earn a permanent spot on the senior team.

Bassett’s choice shows consistency. You can track his career milestones—first goal, first assist, national team call-ups—while he’s worn that number. It’s become a quiet symbol of loyalty and continuity in the Rapids’ shifting lineup.

Key Performances and Highlights

Bassett’s record tells a story of steady progress. He scored his first MLS goal at 17, making him one of the youngest in club history to do it. Since then, he’s picked up several Team of the Matchday honors for his impact in tight games.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played
2018	6	1	0	300+
2019	14	3	2	900+
2020	14	5	5	982
2021	32	5	4	2,210
2023	30+	6	3	2,000+

These numbers show Bassett’s influence goes way beyond just scoring. His minutes reflect trust from coaches, and his steady production highlights his adaptability.

His 2023 season brought a return to form under new leadership. He helped spark a turnaround for the Rapids. Performances like his equalizer against Austin FC and his leadership in midfield show why he’s still a cornerstone of the club’s plans.

For more on his current stats and match logs, check out his MLS profile.

Career Progression with Colorado Rapids

You can trace Cole Bassett’s rise from local academy player to key Rapids midfielder through steady growth and consistent play. His development shows the club’s commitment to homegrown talent and his own ability to adapt to Major League Soccer.

Homegrown Contract Signing

Bassett signed a Homegrown Player contract with the Colorado Rapids on August 10, 2018, after working his way through the club’s Development Academy. As a Littleton native and former Colorado Rush player, he became one of the youngest signings in team history.

He made his professional debut at 17 against the Portland Timbers, becoming the youngest player to appear for the Rapids at that time. His first goal came later that season against FC Dallas, which landed him MLS Team of the Week honors.

Bassett’s early years showed maturity beyond his age. He combined technical skill, composure, and game awareness to transition from academy prospect to first-team regular. His pathway fits the Rapids’ long-term plan to build around young, local players who can grow within the club.

Breakout Seasons and Achievements

In 2020 and 2021, Bassett went from promising youngster to one of the Rapids’ top contributors. He tied for the team lead in both goals and assists in 2020 and picked up multiple MLS Team of the Week selections.

He played over 2,200 minutes in 2021, scored five goals, and added four assists. That consistency helped the Rapids reach the Western Conference Semifinals.

His performance also earned him a call-up to the U.S. Men’s National Team December camp. Bassett’s work rate and positioning made him a fixture in the starting lineup.

He shared the club’s Golden Boot and picked up the Young Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards. These honors confirmed his spot as a core part of the Rapids’ identity.

Season	Appearances	Goals	Assists	MLS Team of the Week	Awards
2020	14	5	5	3	Golden Boot, Young Player of the Year
2021	32	5	4	4	Players’ Player of the Year

Notable Matches and Milestones

Bassett’s career has some defining moments. In 2019, he scored and assisted in a single match against Orlando City SC, earning another MLS Team of the Week nod.

His equalizing penalty against Minnesota United in 2021 showed real composure under pressure. In 2023, he hit a career-high six goals, even as the Rapids faced a tough season.

Under new head coach Chris Armas, Bassett helped lead a turnaround in 2025, chipping in with key goals and assists in league play.

He’s also played for the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team, adding some international experience to his résumé. His steady production and leadership keep shaping the Rapids’ midfield and influence the club’s competitive schedule.

You can find more about his current stats and career details on the Colorado Rapids official profile and FootyStats.

Youth Development and Academy Journey

You get a clearer picture of how Cole Bassett’s foundation shaped his pro path when you look at his early club training, academy growth, and competitive experience with Rapids 2. His rise reflects consistency, skill development, and a real understanding of the game’s demands.

Colorado Rush and Early Training

Bassett’s potential first showed during his time with Colorado Rush, a respected youth club known for disciplined players. He joined as a kid, learning the basics like positioning, passing, and decision-making early on.

At Chatfield High School in southern Jefferson County, he balanced academics with a busy soccer schedule. Coaches noticed his work ethic and vision—traits that would shape his midfield play later.

By 2017, Bassett’s progress caught the eye of the Colorado Rapids. His move from Rush to the Rapids’ youth setup felt natural, since both programs valued technical skill and tactical awareness.

The foundation he built at Rush gave him the confidence to compete at higher levels without losing his cool under pressure.

Rapids Academy Experience

When you look at Bassett’s time at the Colorado Rapids Academy, you see a player who adapted quickly to faster, more physical youth soccer. He joined the academy in 2017, playing for the U-16/17 and U-18/19 teams.

He scored nine goals in the 2018 season, showing he could find scoring positions from midfield. Coaches rewarded him with chances to train with senior players, which helped him understand pro expectations before signing his Homegrown contract on August 10, 2018.

Key Academy Stats (2018 Season)

Category	Statistic
Appearances	4 (with Rapids U-23)
Goals	1
Assists	1
Academy Goals (U-18/19)	9

The academy’s structured environment taught him consistency and accountability. Those skills later defined his MLS career.

Rapids 2 Contributions

Your understanding of Bassett’s journey grows when you check out his time with Rapids 2, the club’s development team. This stage bridged the gap between academy soccer and Major League Soccer.

He used these matches to sharpen his tactical awareness and leadership. Playing against older, more experienced players tested his ability to control tempo and distribute the ball.

Rapids 2 also gave him valuable minutes during off-seasons. That kept him match fit and helped him make quicker decisions on the ball.

His performances there reinforced his rep as a reliable, homegrown midfielder who can influence games with movement and passing accuracy.

By the time he returned full-time to the first team, Bassett had already shown he could handle the pro pace. His progression through the Rapids system felt steady and well-earned.

MLS Recognition and Honors

You see how Cole Bassett’s steady rise reflects both his skill and consistency. His performances have earned him attention from league officials, media, and fans who value production over hype.

MLS 22 Under 22 Nominations

Bassett grabbed a spot on the MLS 22 Under 22 list more than once, which is a pretty big deal for young players in the league. That recognition put him among top prospects shaping the league’s future.

He earned those honors after strong seasons with the Colorado Rapids. His work rate and composure really stood out.

Growing up in Littleton, Colorado, Bassett came through the Rapids Academy and showed maturity well beyond his years. Playing at Chatfield High School set him up for the grind of pro soccer.

The 22 Under 22 list usually points out players who’ll go abroad or play big roles for their national teams. Bassett’s inclusion just confirmed his growing reputation as one of the most reliable American midfielders of his generation.

Year	Recognition	Age	Notes
2020	MLS 22 Under 22	19	First appearance
2021	MLS 22 Under 22	20	Back-to-back selection

MLS Team of the Week Selections

Bassett’s control in midfield has landed him several MLS Team of the Week honors. He keeps popping up on those lists because he controls tempo and chips in with goals.

In 2025, he grabbed his fifth Team of the Matchday selection after scoring and assisting in a win over Real Salt Lake. That win also helped Colorado clinch the Rocky Mountain Cup (Colorado Rapids).

These honors really show his consistency and impact. You can see how his vision and timing in attack set him apart from other midfielders.

He leads by example—pressing high, winning the ball back, and finding teammates in good spots to score.

Season	Team of the Week Honors	Goals	Assists
2023	3	6	2
2024	4	7	5
2025	5	8	6

Club Awards and Accolades

Inside the Colorado Rapids, Bassett has picked up several internal awards, like Man of the Match and Academy Player of the Year (MLSsoccer.com). His teammates and coaches respect him a lot.

He passed Dillon Serna to become the club’s all-time leader in homegrown appearances. That’s a big milestone and shows his value to the organization (MLSMultiplex).

Bassett hasn’t snagged a Golden Boot or Young Player of the Year yet, but his steady production keeps him in those talks. His professionalism and leadership have made him a dependable piece of Colorado’s rebuild.

International Experience with USMNT

Cole Bassett’s steady climb through American soccer says a lot about his patience and skill. His time with the national program includes a senior debut that caught people’s attention, regular youth-level contributions, and a growing role with the Olympic squad prepping for Paris 2024.

USMNT Senior Team Debut

You might remember Bassett’s first game for the U.S. Men’s National Team against Bosnia and Herzegovina on December 18, 2021. He came off the bench in the 78th minute and scored the only goal in stoppage time, sealing a 1–0 win.

That goal gave the USMNT its 17th victory of the year—a record for the team.

He was just 20, playing for the Colorado Rapids after coming up through their academy and spending time with Colorado Rush. That late run into the box? It’s kind of his signature.

Match Snapshot

Date	Opponent	Result	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Location
Dec 18, 2021	Bosnia and Herzegovina	1–0 Win	12	1	0	Carson, CA

That performance earned him some real recognition in the USMNT pool. It definitely boosted his chances for future call-ups.

Youth National Team Appearances

Before he cracked the senior squad, Bassett played for the U.S. at several youth levels, including U-20 and U-23 camps. Those experiences helped him learn the national team style and test himself against international competition.

While he was still at Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, he joined early youth camps that focused on tactics and pressing. Coaches liked his calmness in midfield and his knack for quick, short passes.

Those early camps exposed him to different styles and higher speeds of play. By the time he joined the Rapids’ first team, he had a solid foundation that fit the national team’s approach to possession and transitions.

Olympic Team Involvement

Bassett now stands out as a key figure in the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team setup. In 2024, he made the roster for international friendlies in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain as the U.S. prepared for its first Olympics since 2008.

The team played Iraq and Morocco in November friendlies, part of the build-up to the Paris 2024 Olympics. Bassett’s selection reflected his steady MLS form and leadership among players born in 2001, the last eligible birth year for U-23.

Earlier, he attended a Team USA evaluation camp in Kansas City with 24 other invitees. His work rate and technical skills stood out, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable midfielders in his age group.

His journey from local youth soccer to the Olympic roster really shows how consistent growth and confidence can open doors at the international level.

Notable Matches and Opponents

You’ve seen Cole Bassett go from a promising youth to a key midfielder for the Colorado Rapids. His impact shows up most in games against top Western Conference rivals and tournament matches, where his timing and finishing often decide results.

Portland Timbers Encounters

Bassett’s early breakthrough came against the Portland Timbers, especially in the 2019 “Snow Clasico” in Commerce City. That match was his season debut and helped him earn a spot in the Rapids’ rotation.

His calmness under pressure and ability to connect passes in midfield stood out against Portland’s aggressive press.

In later seasons, Bassett kept making a difference against Portland. He played key minutes in the 2021 Western Conference Semifinal. Colorado didn’t advance, but Bassett’s 75-minute performance showed his growing reliability.

Key Stats vs. Portland Timbers

Season	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists	Result Highlight
2019	90	0	1	Snow Clasico debut
2021	75	0	0	Western Semifinal appearance

His steady play against Portland proved he can manage tempo and transitions—skills that define his role with the Rapids.

FC Dallas and Minnesota United Highlights

Bassett’s games against FC Dallas and Minnesota United often stand out as his best moments. In 2018, he became the youngest goal-scorer in club history with a strike against Dallas and picked up Man of the Match honors.

In 2021, he coolly converted a penalty against Minnesota United to complete a comeback win. His work rate and ability to find space between defenders made him a constant threat in these matches.

Notable Moments

• Scored vs. FC Dallas on October 28, 2018
• Equalizing penalty vs. Minnesota United on October 10, 2021
• Named to MLS Team of the Week after both performances

These games highlight Bassett’s knack for coming through in big moments.

LA Galaxy Clashes

When he faces the LA Galaxy, Bassett usually shows off his timing and finishing. He scored the game-winner in a 2020 match—a 5–0 rout that showed off Colorado’s attacking depth.

His movement off the ball and pressing forced Galaxy defenders into mistakes. Bassett often created space for teammates like Diego Rubio and Jonathan Lewis, making him more than just a scorer.

Performance Snapshot vs. LA Galaxy

Season	Goals	Assists	Shots	Match Result
2020	1	0	3	5–0 Win
2024	1	1	4	2–1 Win

You can see in these games how Bassett’s intelligence and timing really lift Colorado’s midfield.

Leagues Cup and Other Competitions

Bassett’s influence goes well beyond league matches. In the Leagues Cup, he’s been one of Colorado’s main players to watch, stepping up in both buildup and finishing moments.

He really stood out in the Rocky Mountain Cup against Real Salt Lake, grabbing recognition as the “Energy Moment of the Matchday.”

Since signing his Homegrown contract on August 10, 2018, Bassett has represented the Rapids in several competitions. He came up through Chatfield Senior High School in Littleton, Colorado.

Competitive Record Overview

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Recognition
Leagues Cup	4	1	Key Player to Watch
U.S. Open Cup	3	0	Consistent Starter
Rocky Mountain Cup	6	2	Energy Moment of the Matchday

In these matches, Bassett keeps showing his consistency and maturity. Colorado trusts him as a regular in the lineup, which probably explains why he keeps earning national attention and call-ups to the U.S. Men’s Olympic Team.

If you want more details on his career, check out his Colorado Rapids profile or his Wikipedia page.