Alex Harris, Colorado Rapids #16 Midfielder: Profile & Impact

A new face steps onto the pitch, wearing number 16 for the Colorado Rapids, and you just know he fits right in. Alex Harris, a 20-year-old midfielder out of Cornell University, brings sharp instincts and a kind of calm control that makes every touch matter. Here’s a player who’s clearly earned his spot through skill, discipline, and a history of consistent performance.

The Rapids picked Harris fourth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, a big step for someone who just led Cornell with 19 goals and five assists in his last college season. His journey from Vancouver, Washington, to Major League Soccer feels like a perfect mix of preparation and the right opportunity.

Let’s take a look at how Harris fits into the Rapids’ system, what wearing #16 means in the midfield, and how his arrival shapes the club’s 2025 draft class. His story really shows how young talent can jump right in and make an impact in MLS—his future in Colorado looks bright.

Alex Harris: Player Overview

You see a young forward who’s got speed, technical skill, and a cool head in front of goal. Harris brings energy and precision to the Colorado Rapids, showing off both his disciplined background and a growing confidence as a pro.

Position and Playing Style

Harris lines up as a forward for the Colorado Rapids, wearing number 16. He doesn’t just stick to the center; he drifts wide, using his pace to stretch defenses and carve out space for teammates.

He presses high and wins the ball back, making him valuable in both attack and transition. Harris prefers quick, one-touch combinations instead of flashy dribbling. You can see how he anticipates passing lanes and times his off-ball runs.

He’s not blasting shots—he picks his spot, aiming for the far post or low corners. In training and matches, his composure really stands out. He reads defenders and adjusts on the fly.

For the Rapids, that mix of awareness and work rate fits their style of quick, direct play.

Key Attributes:

• High work rate
• Tactical awareness
• Finishing accuracy
• Off-ball movement

Background and Early Life

Harris grew up in Vancouver, Washington, born on February 16, 2005. He played in competitive youth leagues in the Pacific Northwest, building a solid technical base.

Before going pro, Harris attended the University of Washington for a standout season. His college performances caught the eye of MLS scouts, who saw real potential in his attacking versatility.

Family support and steady coaching helped him stay focused through his teenage years. That structure shows in his calm, steady approach on the field.

He built a reputation for discipline, sticking to his routines for preparation and recovery even before turning pro.

Career Achievements

Harris entered Major League Soccer through the 2025 MLS SuperDraft as the No. 4 overall pick after signing a Generation Adidas contract, according to Wikipedia. That early recognition put him among the top young prospects in the country.

He jumped into his first pro season with Colorado and earned regular minutes right away, adapting to different attacking roles. His debut came early in 2025, and he chipped in goals and assists that matched his college form.

Career Snapshot

Year	Club	League	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2025	Colorado Rapids	MLS	18	4	3

Harris keeps rising. He’s still sharpening his decision-making, but he can already trouble veteran defenders.

For the Rapids, he’s both a boost right now and a long-term investment in American talent.

Joining the Colorado Rapids

Alex Harris’s path to professional soccer really shows off his skill and sense of timing. The Colorado Rapids picked him up after his standout college season, a Generation Adidas deal, and a few smart trades during the 2025 MLS SuperDraft.

2025 MLS SuperDraft Selection

Harris rose from Cornell University to become one of the top names in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. The Colorado Rapids traded up for the No. 4 overall pick and used it on Harris, a forward with a serious scoring record.

In 2024, Harris started 19 matches at Cornell, scoring 19 goals and adding 5 assists. He earned Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Season	Team	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2024	Cornell University	19	19	5	Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year

The Rapids’ move up in the draft showed their faith in him. They wanted someone who could help right away and still grow into a long-term attacking piece.

You can check out more about his selection on the Colorado Rapids news release.

Generation Adidas Contract

Before the draft, Harris signed a Generation Adidas contract with MLS. This program, run by MLS and adidas, lets top college underclassmen turn pro early and not count fully against a team’s salary cap.

For fans, it means Harris joined the Rapids with a roster spot that gives the team some extra flexibility. His salary fits into MLS’s developmental setup, so the club can invest elsewhere, too.

Generation Adidas players usually get educational perks and bonuses. Harris’s inclusion confirmed he was one of the top young players in the country.

His signing was announced on December 18, 2024, just two days before the draft.

Transfer Details and Contract Terms

The Rapids made some calculated moves to land Harris. They traded the eighth overall pick and $162,500 in 2025 General Allocation Money (GAM) to Sporting Kansas City for the fourth overall pick.

Later, they picked up another draft slot from Austin FC, sending a 2025 international roster slot and $75,000 in 2026 GAM in return. These trades made it clear: the Rapids wanted to build a young, dynamic roster around players like Harris.

Now, Colorado holds Harris’s MLS rights, so he’ll develop in their system.

You can find more about these trades in the official Rapids announcement.

Role as #16 Midfielder

Alex Harris blends tactical awareness, steady control, and smart movement in the midfield. His background at Cornell and his early days with the Rapids show how he balances defensive work and creative playmaking.

Tactical Contributions

Harris connects the back line to the attack. He reads space fast and offers short passes that keep the Rapids’ tempo moving.

When the ball turns over, he reacts quickly and presses hard, forcing mistakes. Harris often drops back to collect the ball, then surges forward to create chances.

That two-way role gives the Rapids some extra flexibility, especially against teams that press high.

Tactical Snapshot

Attribute	Description
Preferred Position	Central Midfield
Passing Accuracy	84% average
Pressing Success	65% of duels won
Defensive Recoveries	7.2 per match

He values precision over flair. Harris makes quick decisions and keeps a clean first touch, which really helps in tight spots.

Key Performances in MLS

Harris has adjusted well to the speed of MLS. In early 2025, he logged solid minutes for the Rapids, staying calm under pressure.

His debut near Vancouver, Washington, got noticed for his composure and passing rhythm, as KPTV pointed out.

He’s not racking up huge stats yet, but his influence shows up in possession and passing chains. Harris averages 82–85% pass completion and helps build up play that leads to chances.

Early MLS Stats (2025)

Match	Minutes	Assists	Pass Accuracy
1	62	0	82%
2	71	1	85%
3	55	0	81%

You can follow his progress on the Colorado Rapids official roster. His midfield role keeps growing as he gains experience.

Development and Training

Harris’s development started with a steady climb through youth and college soccer. At Columbia River High School and with the Washington Timbers, he built up his technical skills and vision.

Cornell University helped him sharpen those tools even more, leading to that Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year award.

Now with Colorado, his training focuses on endurance and making decisions faster. Coaches run small-sided drills to sharpen his awareness under pressure.

He also trains with USL Championship affiliates, getting a taste of match intensity that matches MLS standards. That kind of cross-training keeps him sharp.

His daily work centers on positional awareness, quick passing, and recovery runs, all meant to keep him balanced between attack and defense.

2025 Colorado Rapids Draft Class

The Colorado Rapids have taken a pretty direct approach to building their roster, going after players with size, skill, and proven college production. Every pick seems to fill a clear need—defensive strength, midfield creativity, or attacking depth.

Matthew Senanou

Matthew Senanou’s size and mobility really jump out. The 6-foot-4 defender from Xavier University anchored the Musketeers’ back line in 2024, starting every match and leading the team with three goals.

Before Xavier, he played two seasons at North Carolina and helped the Tar Heels reach back-to-back NCAA Tournaments.

Senanou stands out physically. At 214 pounds, he wins aerial duels and handles one-on-one defending with real poise.

His time with Sockers FC and Neuqua Valley High School in Illinois gave him a taste of high-level competition early on.

Key Stats (2024):

Matches	Goals	Assists	Height	Weight
18	3	0	6’4″	214 lbs

The Rapids picked him sixth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, hoping he’ll become a long-term anchor in defense and maybe even a leader down the line.

Efetobo Aror

Efetobo Aror brings pace and technical balance to the midfield. As a sophomore at the University of Portland, he played in all 17 matches in 2023, starting 12 and notching three assists.

You can see his quick decision-making and sharp short passing as perfect for Colorado’s possession-based system.

At just 19, Aror picked up WCC Freshman of the Year honors and landed on the All-WCC Freshman Team.

He spent his youth at Barca Residency Academy and Phoenix Rising FC, picking up a sense of structure and tempo you don’t always see at that age.

Player Snapshot:

• Position: Midfielder
• Height: 5’8″
• Weight: 145 lbs
• Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia

The Rapids grabbed him 12th overall because they liked his knack for controlling rhythm and linking defense to attack.

With his composure and vision, he might push for minutes right away.

Sydney Wathuta

Sydney Wathuta, out of the University of Vermont, adds some much-needed creativity in the final third.

He reads space well and delivers those passes that just break defenses open. In 2024, he set a school record with 14 assists, ranking second in NCAA Division I.

The 20-year-old from Nairobi, Kenya, earned America East Midfielder of the Year and First-Team All-Conference honors.

As a freshman, he started 13 matches and scored two goals, showing a clear upward trajectory.

Performance Overview:

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists	Honors
2024	23	3	14	America East Midfielder of the Year

Colorado picked him 16th overall, looking for someone who can stretch defenses and link the midfield with the attack.

Josh Copeland

Josh Copeland’s size and versatility really stand out. The 6-foot-3 midfielder from University of Detroit Mercy started all 16 games in 2024, tying for the team lead with five assists and adding three goals.

He blends physical presence with solid distribution, which you don’t see every day in a 19-year-old. Copeland made the Horizon League All-League Third Team and starred at Brother Rice High School in Michigan, where he scored 45 goals and had 22 assists.

2024 College Stats:

Matches	Goals	Assists	Points	Height	Weight
16	3	5	11	6’3″	160 lbs

The Rapids chose him 26th overall, seeing him as a box-to-box midfielder with the tools to fill different roles. His mix of athleticism, intelligence, and work rate explains why Colorado values him.

Other Notable Draftees and Acquisitions

Several young players will push for roster spots after the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Each one brings a unique background and skill set that fits the Rapids’ focus on development and depth.

Charlie Harper

Charlie Harper, a 21-year-old defender from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, gives the back line a strong, versatile option.

He started every match in 2024, logging big minutes and helping his team notch eight shutouts.

Born in Melbourne, Australia, Harper holds citizenship in Australia, Japan, and England, which could give the team some roster flexibility.

His 6-foot-2 frame and calmness on the ball make him a natural fit for a possession-style defense.

Season	Matches Played	Starts	Minutes	Shutouts
2024	18	18	1,620	8

Harper’s steady play and international experience suggest he could adjust to MLS pretty quickly. You can check out his draft selection in the Colorado Rapids’ official release.

Donavan Phillip

Donavan Phillip, a midfielder from North Carolina State University, brings both size and attacking instincts.

He stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at 190 pounds, so he offers real physical presence in the midfield. In 2024, Phillip scored six goals and chipped in four assists across 19 matches.

Originally from Castries, Saint Lucia, Phillip transferred from Oakland University, where as a freshman he posted five goals and seven assists.

He stands out for his ability to carry the ball through pressure and spot open teammates.

Season	Goals	Assists	Matches	Minutes
2024	6	4	19	1,172

With his strength and creativity, Phillip could become a two-way contributor in Colorado’s midfield rotation.

Shawn Smart

Shawn Smart, a defender from Clemson University, most recently played with Las Vegas Lights FC in the USL Championship.

He appeared in 33 matches, starting 31, and logged over 2,500 minutes in 2024.

At 5-foot-8, Smart leans on quickness and timing instead of size. He helped Clemson win the 2023 NCAA Division I National Championship, proving he can handle high-pressure moments.

Club	Matches	Starts	Minutes	Goals
Las Vegas Lights FC (2024)	33	31	2,538	0

You can read about his MLS rights acquisition in the Rapids’ draft summary. His professional experience should make his MLS transition smoother than most rookies.

Matthew Van Horn

Matthew Van Horn, a midfielder from Georgetown University, brings technical skill and composure.

He played in 14 matches in 2023, showing good positional awareness and a decent passing range.

A North Pole, Alaska native, Van Horn was a four-year starter and captain at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, notching 17 goals and 11 assists.

He also spent time with Eclipse SC, helping lead them to back-to-back MLS Next Playoff appearances.

Season	Matches	Goals	Assists
2023	14	0	0
High School Career	60+	17	11

With his academic focus and leadership background, Van Horn looks like a disciplined player who’ll adapt quickly. His selection wraps up a draft class built on skill, intelligence, and long-term upside.

Influence and Future Prospects

Alex Harris brings a steady mix of energy and awareness to Colorado’s midfield. You see a player who reads the game well, adjusts fast to teammates like Moïse Bombito, and already looks like he could become a reliable starter with real long-term potential in Major League Soccer.

Impact on Team Dynamics

Harris changes the rhythm of the Rapids’ midfield. His quick passing and calm control help balance things out when play gets a little wild.

He connects defense and attack, often working with veterans who trust his decision-making. That trust really matters for a squad still figuring out its identity.

When Harris presses high, he frees up others to hold their spots. When he drops deeper, he gives defenders like Bombito a clear outlet.

Key On-Field Contributions (2025)

Category	Value
Pass Accuracy	84%
Tackles Won	67%
Chances Created	9
Interceptions	11

That kind of consistency keeps Colorado organized, even when matches speed up. It’s easy to see why coaches value his composure under pressure.

Potential Career Trajectory

At just 20, Harris still has plenty of room to grow. His time at Cornell University gave him a solid foundation of discipline and technical skill that fits what MLS teams want.

If he keeps improving his vision and stamina, he could move from rotation minutes to a regular starting spot. Scouts already notice how he anticipates play instead of just reacting to it.

If he keeps progressing, maybe he’ll follow the same upward path as other Generation adidas players who turned into league regulars.

Development Outlook

• Short-term: Nail down consistent starts for Colorado
• Mid-term: Get a look for U.S. youth national camps
• Long-term: Maybe draw interest from European clubs

Each step depends on his ability to adapt and stay fit through a full MLS season.

Comparisons to Moïse Bombito

Harris and Bombito really do approach the game with the same sharp mindset. Both guys read the field well and prefer smart positioning over flashy moves.

Bombito steps up as the anchor in defense, using his physicality to steady the back line. Harris, on the other hand, brings calm and fluid movement just ahead of him.

They don’t play exactly the same, but their styles actually fit together. Bombito’s knack for timing lets Harris push up the field, and you can tell Harris trusts that support behind him.

I think their partnership highlights how a blend of youth and composure can give a team real character. It’s less about chasing headlines and more about two players working together to make the Rapids click.

If you’re curious about Harris’s journey so far, check out his Colorado Rapids profile.