Darren Yapi, Colorado Rapids #77 Forward: Career, Impact & Recognition

When you watch a Colorado Rapids match, your eyes probably go straight to #77. Darren Yapi brings a ton of energy and precision to the field every time he plays.

Born right in Denver, he came up through the Rapids Academy. He’s living proof of what homegrown talent can do in Major League Soccer. Yapi’s a forward for the Colorado Rapids, and honestly, he’s quickly becoming one of the league’s most promising young players.

You can see his growth not just at the club level, but in the way people around the league talk about him now. Yapi grabbed a spot in the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 Class, which highlights the top young talent in MLS.

He keeps getting better every match—his skill, speed, and awareness are all trending up. The Rapids trust their academy system, and Yapi’s work ethic makes that faith look pretty smart.

Before he turned pro, Yapi went to Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado. He managed to juggle school with his early soccer career, which isn’t easy. His path from standout academy kid to first-team regular really shows what steady effort can do.

You can’t help but follow his story—homegrown roots, breakout games, and now, more international attention.

Darren Yapi’s Role as Colorado Rapids #77 Forward

Darren Yapi, still just a young forward, brings a blend of power and precision to the Rapids’ attack. You notice his technical growth and how he’s starting to figure out how to create space and finish chances, even when things get tight.

Position and Playing Style

Yapi mainly plays as a center forward. He uses his size, speed, and strong close control to keep defenders on their toes.

He stays high up the field, holding up the ball so his teammates can get forward. Off the ball, he stretches backlines and opens up lanes for midfielders to run through.

His game is built on strength and balance. Yapi shields the ball well, absorbs contact, and somehow keeps possession even in crowded spots.

You can tell he’s learning when to make those near-post runs or drop deeper to link play. Physical play plus growing awareness—he’s putting it all together.

He came up through the Colorado Rapids Academy and got extra polish with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC before he became a regular with the Rapids’ first team.

That background shows in his calmness under pressure and his decision-making. He’s still evolving—now finishing with both feet and timing his runs better against MLS defenders.

Season	Games Started	Minutes Played	Goals	Assists
2025	16	1,327	7	2
Career (MLS)	89	3,154	9	3

Jersey Number Significance

You spot Yapi right away because of his #77 jersey. It’s not a typical striker’s number, but it fits who he is.

The number kind of signals individuality and confidence—this isn’t just another academy kid. He’s making his mark as a first-team regular.

For fans, #77 is now a familiar sight at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. It stands for local talent making it on the big stage.

Yapi, being a Denver native, really takes pride in representing his hometown club. And wearing a less common number adds a bit of personality, which fans love—especially those who have watched him since his youth days.

Players in MLS are picking more unique numbers lately, building their own brands. For Yapi, it’s not about superstition. He just wants to stand out by how he plays.

Key Contributions to the Attack

Yapi’s impact jumps out when you watch how he drives the Colorado Rapids attack. He presses high, recovers loose balls, and transitions quickly—turning defense into offense in a flash.

He doesn’t just finish plays; he helps start them, too.

In 2025, his career-best seven goals and two assists really show how far he’s come. He positions himself well, using timing to get open instead of just relying on speed.

His connection with midfielders like Cole Bassett gives the Rapids more movement up front.

Yapi’s better at winning aerial duels and controlling the ball on the first touch, which makes him a solid option when the Rapids want to play direct.

His confidence just keeps growing, especially after making the MLS 22 Under 22 Class of 2025. He’s showing how a homegrown forward can really shape a team’s attacking identity.

Homegrown Journey and Early Development

It’s kind of wild how a young player’s growth inside a club system can shape both his skills and his mindset. Darren Yapi’s rise with the Colorado Rapids is a case study in steady development, early pro exposure, and real trust from the organization.

Rapids Academy Progression

You probably first heard Yapi’s name in the Rapids Academy back in the 2016–17 season. He joined the U-12 team and wasted no time standing out for his goal-scoring.

Over the years, he played above his age group, racking up 64 goals in 95 appearances.

The Rapids staff liked how quickly he adjusted to faster play and tougher competition. That approach helped him mature faster than most academy kids.

Coaches always mention his composure near goal and his work ethic. Those traits pushed him up the ladder.

By his mid-teens, Yapi was already one of the club’s top prospects. He won the Rapids Academy Player of the Year award in 2020, which basically confirmed he was ready for the next step.

Academy Stats	Appearances	Goals	Seasons Active
Rapids Academy	95	64	2016–2020

Professional Debut and Early Performances

In 2020, Yapi signed a USL Academy contract with Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC and took his first steps as a pro. He made his USL Championship debut on August 1, 2020, and got valuable minutes against older players.

The Rapids sent him on loan again in 2021 for more experience. He played 16 matches, logged 183 minutes, and scored two goals—including his first pro goal against Austin Bold FC on August 4.

That short loan was the kind of test young players need before jumping into MLS.

That early exposure gave Yapi a real taste of what pro soccer demands. Rapids coaches saw he could handle the speed and pressure of the senior game.

Homegrown Contract Signing

When Yapi signed with the Colorado Rapids in 2021, the timing just felt right. At 16 years and 104 days old, he became the club’s youngest ever Homegrown signing.

He was also the 14th academy product to get that label—a sign the Rapids keep betting on local talent.

The Homegrown contract put him in the Supplemental Roster Slots 25–28, which is where MLS teams keep developing players.

His signing showed the Rapids really want to promote from within, not just buy talent.

Yapi’s early contract let him train with the senior team every day and compete for MLS minutes. That trust from the club set him up for more growth as a homegrown forward and eventually for his spot on the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 list.

2025 MLS 22 Under 22 Class Recognition

Darren Yapi landed among Major League Soccer’s top young players after a real breakout season with the Rapids. His steady performances, sharper finishing, and growth through the academy all helped him earn national recognition.

Ranking and Selection Process

Yapi ranked 20th on the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 Class. The list comes together from votes by MLS coaches, GMs, sporting directors, and a few media members.

They judge players on performance, potential, and their impact for their teams. Yapi’s rise shows his productivity and maturity, even though he’s only 20.

He joined the Rapids Academy in 2016 and became the youngest Homegrown signing in club history at 16 years, 104 days.

His 2025 season brought career highs in pretty much every category.

Category (2025)	Statistic
Games Started	16
Minutes Played	1,327
Goals Scored	7
Assists	2

Those numbers tell the story—Yapi’s getting more minutes and making them count. His inclusion also shows how MLS academies are gaining influence, with 14 Homegrown players in this year’s class.

Significance of the 22 Under 22 Honor

Getting named to the MLS 22 Under 22 list means Yapi has crossed from “potential” to “proven.” For someone who came up through the Rapids system, it validates all those years of training and steady growth.

Honors like this are benchmarks for young pros. They show who’s ready to lead or maybe even catch the eye of clubs overseas.

Yapi joins Cole Bassett and Sam Vines as the only Rapids players to make the list since it started in 2019. It’s a small group, and it says a lot about the Rapids’ focus on youth development.

Notable Performances and Team of the Matchday Honors

You’ve watched Darren Yapi go from a promising academy kid to a forward who shows up in big moments. His recent run of matches highlights how his finishing, movement, and chemistry with teammates help Colorado grab key points and respect around the league.

Brace Performance Against Minnesota

In August 2025, Yapi bagged his first career brace in a 2–0 win over Minnesota United. The 20-year-old Denver native, who trained with the Rapids Academy before turning pro, really came alive in the second half at Allianz Field.

He scored first in the 60th minute, finishing off a pass from Sam Vines into the far corner. Ten minutes later, he struck again after a quick transition—Calvin Harris and Rafael Navarro set him up perfectly.

That performance got him a spot on the MLS Team of the Matchday bench and felt like a turning point in his career. The league noticed his coolness under pressure and his knack for converting tough chances.

Match	Opponent	Goals	Assists	Minutes Played	Result
Aug 10, 2025	Minnesota United	2	0	85	2–0 Win

You can read more about his brace on the Colorado Rapids official site.

Impactful Matches Versus New England Revolution

Earlier in the 2025 season, Yapi stepped up in a wild 3–3 draw against the New England Revolution. He didn’t find the net, but he set up two goals and showed off a growing sense of awareness and playmaking.

You could just feel his confidence—holding up the ball, carving out space for his teammates, keeping things ticking. He linked up well with the midfielders, letting Colorado stay aggressive even when they were behind.

That game really highlighted his versatility. He wasn’t just there to finish chances; he got involved in the buildup and worked hard defensively, too. Coaches and analysts took notice, praising his maturity for someone still figuring things out as a pro.

Team of the Matchday Nominations

Yapi’s consistent form has landed him on the Team of the Matchday a few times now. His first nod came after that draw with New England, thanks to those two assists and his all-around effort.

He earned another spot after a brace against Minnesota, which felt like proof he’s becoming a real threat up front.

These honors aren’t just about goals. Coaches appreciate his work rate, smart positioning, and how he fits into Colorado’s system. There’s a nice balance between his own ambition and his sense of team play.

For a forward who joined the Rapids at 16 and went to Overland High School before turning pro, each nomination feels like another step forward. You can check out his latest recognition on MLSsoccer.com.

International Experience and National Team Call-Ups

International duty really shapes a young player, doesn’t it? Darren Yapi’s time with the U.S. youth teams and his run at global tournaments have clearly helped him grow on and off the pitch. Those experiences abroad? They sharpen a forward’s instincts and build confidence in ways you just can’t replicate at home.

U.S. Roster for 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup

Yapi snagged a spot on the U.S. roster for the 2023 FIFA Under-20 World Cup—that’s a big deal for any young player. Wearing your country’s colors at that level means you’re up against some of the best youth talent out there.

He joined after some strong showings for Colorado, becoming the 14th Rapids Academy product to sign a Homegrown contract. The U.S. staff clearly saw his potential and wanted him in the mix.

In Argentina, Yapi trained hard under a coaching staff that pushed pressing, link-up play, and composure in front of goal. Every session felt like a new challenge, testing how fast he could adapt and contribute in a structured setup.

Tournament	Year	Country	Matches Played	Goals
FIFA U-20 World Cup	2023	Argentina	3	0

He didn’t score, but he picked up experience that shaped his approach with Colorado later that year.

Matches in Argentina and International Window

In March 2023, Yapi joined the U.S. Under-20 Men’s Youth National Team for a camp in Marbella, Spain, ahead of the World Cup. The group played matches against England and Serbia U-21, and Yapi started and got solid minutes.

He told the Denver Post he felt honored and saw it as a big learning moment. He talked about picking up different playing styles and learning from teammates with all sorts of backgrounds.

When the squad traveled to Argentina for the World Cup, Yapi’s role grew. Coaches really leaned on his hold-up play, energy, and knack for pulling defenders out of position. The international window forced him to dig deep—endurance and decision-making became even more important for him as a forward.

Chile National Team and Diego Rubio Connections

Yapi’s international journey often ran alongside teammate Diego Rubio, who played for the Chile national team during the same period. Both guys came back to Colorado with a fresh perspective and a bit more confidence.

Rubio’s call-up to Chile seemed to light a fire under Yapi. Colorado Rapids head coach Robin Fraser said those national team experiences give players a mental edge that sticks with them back at the club.

You could see it in Yapi’s play after returning. He looked sharper, moved better, and seemed more aware around the box.

Both players’ time away made a difference for the Rapids, honestly. For Yapi, it reinforced the habits he’ll need if he wants to keep climbing—whether that’s more youth tournaments or a shot at the senior national team down the line.

Yapi, who came up through the Rapids Academy after attending Overland High School in Aurora, Colorado, keeps building on those lessons as he rounds out his game as a forward.

Season Highlights and Key Opponents

You’ve watched Darren Yapi become a more complete forward, with sharper finishing and better timing in the big moments. His 2025 games against Seattle and St. Louis really stood out, and his steady progress all season long shows why Colorado keeps trusting their Homegrown talent.

Goals Against SEA and STL

If you want to see Yapi’s impact, look at his performances against Seattle Sounders and St. Louis CITY SC (STL). Against Seattle, he pressed high up the field, forced turnovers, and created real scoring chances. His movement off the ball opened up lanes for teammates and kept defenders guessing.

When Colorado faced St. Louis, Yapi showed more composure in front of goal. He timed his runs well and finished with confidence, connecting on crosses from the left. His ability to adjust to different defensive looks was clear, especially against STL’s tight back line.

Key Match Stats

Opponent	Goals	Assists	Shots on Target	Minutes Played
Seattle Sounders	1	0	3	78
St. Louis CITY SC	1	1	2	82

Those matches showed why Yapi’s become a reliable finisher—and why he can change a game even when he’s not the one scoring.

Contributions in 2025 MLS Season

Yapi’s 2025 MLS season really showed his steady growth and how much more the team relied on him up front. He landed among the league’s top young talents, grabbing a spot in the MLS 22 Under 22 Class for 2025.

When he scored twice against Minnesota, he proved he could handle those high-pressure moments. You could tell he was getting sharper, not just at finishing but also when linking up with teammates.

He worked well with Rafael Navarro and Calvin Harris, helping Colorado keep the ball alive in the final third. His awareness stood out, and his work rate made him a solid choice—whether coming off the bench or starting.

Yapi grew up in the Colorado Rapids Academy and went to Overland High School in Aurora. He’s still polishing his skills, but in 2025, he looked like a forward figuring out how to mix creativity with efficiency.

Colorado’s attack definitely looks brighter with him around for the long haul.