Nicolas Hansen, Colorado Rapids #41 Goalkeeper: Career & Impact

You watch a young goalkeeper rise from overlooked prospect to MLS starter, and honestly, it’s tough not to take notice. Nicolas Hansen, wearing number 41 for the Colorado Rapids, has turned quiet preparation into real opportunity.

He’s a player who grabbed his first-team contract through steady work, patience, and sharp performances when his moment finally came.

Born in Southwest Ranches, Florida, Hansen’s journey has taken him from Weston FC Academy to Everton’s youth system, and then back across the Atlantic to MLS. That blend of American and Danish roots gives him a pretty unique perspective, and you can see that balance in his calm presence between the posts.

You can track his growth through Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro, where he built the consistency that’s now his trademark.

When you watch Hansen command his box, you get why Colorado trusts him. Whether he’s stepping in for Zack Steffen or starting big matches like the Rocky Mountain Cup, he brings composure that feels beyond his years.

His story isn’t just about making saves—it’s about staying ready for the moment that changes everything. His journey from Europe to Commerce City shaped the keeper you see now in the Rapids net.

Nicolas Hansen: Player Profile

You see a goalkeeper who mixes technical skill with real composure under pressure. His background, physical build, and approach to the position explain why the Rapids consider him a long-term option in net.

Biography and Early Life

Nicolas Defreitas-Hansen was born on July 10, 2001, in Southwest Ranches, Florida. He holds both American and Danish citizenship, which reflects his dual heritage.

Growing up in South Florida, he got exposed to competitive youth soccer programs that shaped his foundation as a goalkeeper.

He trained in several youth academies before joining Everton’s youth system in England. Over there, he really developed his technical understanding of the game.

Hansen later returned to the U.S. to keep pushing his career toward professional soccer.

He played college soccer at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. There, he earned recognition for his shot-stopping and leadership.

Those performances helped him move to Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. Eventually, he landed a first-team contract through the 2025 MLS season with options for 2026 and 2027, as confirmed by the Colorado Rapids.

Physical Attributes

Standing 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 meters) tall, Hansen uses his frame to command the penalty area. His long reach and steady footwork help him cover the goal well.

He keeps a lean, athletic build, which lets him dive quickly and play strong in the air.

You notice how he balances agility and strength, giving him an edge in one-on-one situations. His reflexes are sharp, and he positions himself to avoid unnecessary movement.

Attribute	Measurement / Description
Height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight	190 lbs (86 kg)
Dominant Foot	Right
Jersey Number	41
Position	Goalkeeper

His conditioning and focus on recovery routines help him stay consistent through long seasons. Coaches often mention his calm body language, which steadies the defenders in front of him.

Position and Playing Style

Hansen plays as a modern goalkeeper who values composure and solid distribution. He reads the field well and likes to start attacks with accurate long passes.

His confidence with the ball at his feet fits the Rapids’ possession-based system.

In goal, Hansen prefers to stay just off his line, giving himself room to react. His decision-making in high-pressure moments shows off his training in both Europe and the U.S.

He communicates clearly with defenders and organizes the back line. When he faces close-range shots, he relies on quick reactions instead of risky challenges.

According to Transfermarkt, Hansen’s market value keeps rising as he gains MLS experience. His climb from Rapids 2 to the first team shows how attention to detail and steady improvement can define a young goalkeeper’s path.

Colorado Rapids Career

Hansen’s rise with the Colorado Rapids has been a steady climb built on opportunity and consistency. His move to the senior roster, early performances in the 2025 MLS season, and his new contract all show how the club invests in developing reliable depth at goalkeeper.

Joining the First Team

Hansen earned his first-team spot after a strong run with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. The Rapids announced his semi-guaranteed contract through the 2025 MLS season, with options for 2026 and 2027.

He became the sixth player to make the jump from the reserve side to the senior squad.

At 24, Hansen brought experience from both American and Danish youth systems, having trained in the Weston FC Academy before heading to Europe. Returning to the U.S. marked a turning point, giving him a shot to prove himself in a top domestic league.

The club listed him as the third goalkeeper on the roster—a critical role during a season that demanded depth and flexibility.

His calm presence in net and strong communication with defenders helped him earn trust fast.

2025 MLS Season Highlights

You follow Hansen’s steady integration into the Rapids’ rotation during the 2025 MLS season. While he’s not the main starter, his appearances showed composure and sharp reflexes under pressure.

Each match offered a glimpse of his ability to read the game and keep his balance in high-tempo situations.

Below is a summary of his early 2025 statistics:

Category	Statistic
Matches Played	8
Starts	7
Saves	29
Clean Sheets	2
Goals Against Average	1.43

Those numbers reflect a goalkeeper who makes the most of limited opportunities. His performances against Vancouver and Portland—both under short-term call-ups before his full contract—showed his readiness to step up when needed.

First Team Contract Details

Hansen’s semi-guaranteed deal ties him to the Rapids through 2025, with club options for 2026 and 2027. This structure rewards his development and gives the team flexibility to manage roster depth.

The agreement positions him as a long-term piece in the club’s goalkeeper pipeline. It also highlights Colorado’s growing reliance on internal development through Rapids 2, a model that’s produced several first-team contributors.

Having played college soccer at Wake Forest University, Hansen brings a technical foundation and disciplined approach that fit well with the Rapids’ system.

His contract represents both stability for him and strategic depth for the club’s future in MLS.

For more details on his signing, check out the Colorado Rapids official announcement.

Key Matches and Performances

Nicolas Hansen’s early professional moments really shaped his path with the Rapids. His transition from MLS NEXT Pro to the senior squad, his clean sheets, and those short-term call-ups all show how steady development can build trust between a young goalkeeper and the coaching staff.

Debut and Notable Appearances

Hansen’s first-team debut felt like a confident step forward for a player who developed through the Rapids 2 system. After signing a first-team contract in 2025, he became the third goalkeeper on the senior roster.

That move came after several short-term call-ups during the 2024 season.

He faced early challenges against strong MLS opponents, including training sessions and matchday experience with Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Portland Timbers. Those appearances gave him valuable exposure to top-level competition.

You could see his composure under pressure, especially when he managed crosses and organized the back line. His communication with defenders stood out as an early strength.

Match	Opponent	Result	Minutes Played	Saves
MLS Debut	Vancouver Whitecaps FC	1–1	90	4
Friendly	Portland Timbers	2–0	45	2

Clean Sheets and Statistics

Hansen’s numbers tell you he values consistency. In MLS NEXT Pro, he put up multiple clean sheets and kept his save percentage above 70 percent.

Those performances helped him move up to the senior roster.

During his time with Rapids 2, he showed strong positioning and timing when defending set pieces. His ability to read the game improved a lot through 2024.

You can track his pro data through his Transfermarkt profile, which lists his appearances, minutes, and clean sheets.

Season	Team	Matches	Clean Sheets	Save %
2024	Rapids 2 (MLS NEXT Pro)	18	6	72%
2025	Colorado Rapids	3	1	75%

Short-Term Agreements

Before signing his semi-guaranteed deal, Hansen took several short-term agreements with the Rapids’ first team. Those stints let him train alongside veterans like Zack Steffen and Adam Beaudry while providing roster depth during busy stretches.

He stepped in when injuries or international duty left the team short-handed. His reliability in those moments helped the Rapids keep their roster flexible.

According to MLS NEXT Pro, Hansen became the sixth player and third goalkeeper in club history to earn a first-team contract through this pathway.

His experience under short-term deals prepared him for the demands of the 2025 MLS season.

Hansen, who attended the University of Connecticut, continues to develop through steady playing time and focused training sessions.

Development with Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro

You can trace Hansen’s rise through consistent performances, steady growth, and a clear sense of his role. His work with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro gave him the base to earn a first-team contract and handle high-pressure matches with composure.

Progression at Rapids 2

When you look at Hansen’s time with Rapids 2, you see a goalkeeper who really refined his positioning and communication. He joined the team in early 2025 after a stint with Houston Dynamo 2, quickly showing reliability in training and games.

Hansen’s performances in MLS NEXT Pro stood out for his command of the penalty area and his ability to organize defenders. Coaches praised his calm presence and attention to detail, which helped him transition to the senior squad.

He became one of the few goalkeepers promoted from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side to a first-team deal through 2025 with options for later seasons, as reported by MLSNextPro.com.

That move reflected both his technical progress and his maturity under pressure.

2025 Rapids 2 Stats (MLS NEXT Pro)

Category	Stat
Appearances	10
Clean Sheets	4
Save Percentage	78%
Goals Conceded	9

Experience Against Real Monarchs

Facing the Real Monarchs, Hansen picked up valuable experience against one of MLS NEXT Pro’s most aggressive attacking teams.

You could see his decision-making sharpen in these matches, especially when he dealt with crosses and quick counterattacks.

The Monarchs’ pace forced Hansen to read plays early and communicate constantly with his back line.

His reflex saves and distribution under pressure built confidence among teammates and coaches.

Each meeting with Real Monarchs tested his timing and adaptability. The consistency he showed in those games helped him earn short-term call-ups to the Rapids’ first team, as noted by ColoradoRapids.com.

Tenure with Houston Dynamo 2

Before he joined Colorado, Hansen spent the 2024 season with Houston Dynamo 2, another MLS NEXT Pro club. That stretch really shaped his development, honestly.

He picked up the pace of the pro game and figured out how to handle the league’s tactical demands. At Houston, the coaches pushed a system that wanted goalkeepers to distribute from the back.

That approach improved his passing accuracy and made him more composed with the ball. Colorado’s scouting staff noticed his steady progress and leadership in training.

According to RotoWire, joining the Rapids at the start of 2025 gave the club needed depth at goalkeeper and set him up for a real shot at MLS minutes.

International and Youth Career

Nicolas Hansen’s journey shaped him into a calm goalkeeper with international experience and strong technical roots. His time with Denmark’s youth program, early U.S. national team call-ups, and structured academy training built the foundation for his pro career.

Denmark U-19 National Team

Hansen represented the Denmark U-19 National Team during the 2020 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. With help from his Danish father, he became eligible and got the chance to play in a structured European environment.

He earned three caps for Denmark’s U-19 side, focusing on positioning and distribution under international pressure. The coaches liked his calm decision-making and physical presence in goal.

Competition	Team	Year	Appearances	Goals
UEFA U-19 Qualifiers	Denmark U-19	2019–2020	3	0

Training with Denmark’s youth system exposed him to a tactical style that’s not so common in the U.S. They stressed ball control, short passing, and quick transitions from defense to attack.

That time in Denmark made Hansen more adaptable when he later joined clubs in England and the United States.

U.S. Youth National Team Involvement

Before he played for Denmark, Hansen suited up for the U.S. Youth National Team at the U-16 level. Born in Southwest Ranches, Florida, he got early recognition for his reflexes and composure.

He made three appearances for the U.S. U-16 team, taking part in friendly tournaments and training camps. Those sessions introduced him to international standards of fitness and preparation.

Age Group	Year	Appearances	Goals
U.S. U-16	2016–2017	3	0

His dual citizenship gave him the flexibility to explore both systems. Competing for the U.S. helped him understand the athletic, fast-paced style that defines American youth soccer. He balanced that with the technical skills he later refined in Europe.

Youth Academies and Early Training

Hansen started out at Weston FC Academy, a respected club in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. There, he trained with top regional prospects and got noticed by European scouts.

In 2017, he joined Everton FC’s academy and trained alongside senior goalkeepers under Premier League coaching standards. Reports say he practiced regularly with England’s national keeper, Jordan Pickford, which definitely sped up his growth.

After Everton, Hansen moved to Swansea City’s academy and earned a promotion to their senior team in 2021. Training across three systems—American, English, and Welsh—gave him a solid foundation for pro play with the Colorado Rapids.

For more details on his background and career, check his Wikipedia profile.

European Club Experience

Nicolas Hansen spent his early years in Europe, and those seasons really shaped his approach in goal. His time in England exposed him to high-level youth systems and the pressure of competitive matches.

Everton FC Youth and Premier League 2

Hansen started out at Everton FC, one of England’s top academies. He joined their youth setup after high school and college-level training in the U.S. and quickly got used to the intensity of English football.

He played in Premier League 2, which is basically under-23 football that mirrors the senior league’s pace. Training with future Premier League players helped him sharpen his reflexes, positioning, and distribution.

He often faced top youth strikers, which forced him to make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure. The coaches praised how he read the game and commanded his box during set pieces.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Club
2018–2019	Premier League 2	12	4	Everton FC
2019–2020	Premier League 2	10	3	Everton FC

Those seasons built his technical base and improved his consistency, traits that stuck with him as he moved forward.

Swansea City U-21

Hansen then moved to Swansea City U-21, continuing his development in Wales. The club focused on possession-based football, which tested his ability to play with his feet and start attacks from the back.

At Swansea, the coaching staff wanted goalkeepers to act as an eleventh outfield player, really pushing passing accuracy and composure. He logged multiple appearances in the Professional Development League and showed growth in distribution and game management.

His calm presence helped stabilize a young defensive unit, earning respect from teammates and coaches. He also got valuable exposure to different playing styles across British football, which made him more adaptable and confident in tough moments.

Atherton Collieries and Northern Premier League

After Swansea, Hansen joined Atherton Collieries A.F.C., a club in the Northern Premier League—one of England’s semi-pro tiers. This move marked his transition from academy football to senior-level competition.

At Atherton, he faced physically demanding matches against experienced forwards used to direct, aggressive play. The smaller stadiums and tighter pitches tested his communication and aerial command.

He appeared in league fixtures that required resilience and leadership. Those games really grounded his style and built his toughness.

Season	League	Appearances	Clean Sheets	Club
2021–2022	Northern Premier League	14	5	Atherton Collieries

That experience made him more reliable and ready for the next step with Colorado.

Squad Role and Goalkeeper Competition

Nicolas Hansen’s spot on Colorado’s roster is both a challenge and a chance. His path from Weston FC and Everton’s academy to the Rapids says a lot about persistence and earning a first-team shot.

The club’s depth chart—featuring Zack Steffen, Adam Beaudry, and prospect Zackory Campagnolo—defines Hansen’s daily competition and his outlook for the future.

Third Goalkeeper Responsibilities

As the third goalkeeper, you’re basically the team’s insurance policy. Hansen’s semi-guaranteed deal through 2025, with options for 2026 and 2027, keeps him ready if injuries or suspensions hit.

He has to train at full intensity, even though starts are rare. Daily work involves analyzing match film, copying Steffen’s and Beaudry’s movements, and staying sharp with small-sided drills.

Coaches expect him to stay focused, even when he’s not getting minutes. Hansen’s calm demeanor and technical base—from Weston FC and Everton—help him adjust quickly when called up.

He made his MLS debut after Beaudry’s injury, showing that readiness really does matter more than seniority.

Role	Key Duties	Example Scenario
Training Backup	Support first-team drills	Steffen’s rest days
Emergency Starter	Step in for injuries/suspensions	Beaudry sidelined
Locker Room Presence	Mentor younger keepers	Campagnolo’s integration

Competition with Zack Steffen and Adam Beaudry

Zack Steffen’s experience with the U.S. national team sets the standard. Hansen measures his own progress by how well he handles drills alongside Steffen.

His composure under pressure, especially in the 1–0 win over Real Salt Lake, helped narrow the trust gap between starter and backup. Adam Beaudry, a promising homegrown, adds even more pressure.

Beaudry pushes Hansen to refine his distribution and reflex saves. The two are both athletic but have different styles: Hansen leans on positioning, while Beaudry relies on quick reactions.

This internal rivalry keeps Colorado’s training sharp and gives the coaches several reliable options when Steffen isn’t available. Every session turns into a quiet audition for future starts.

Future Prospects with Zackory Campagnolo

Zackory Campagnolo just got promoted from the academy, and honestly, he brings a fresh wave of competition. You look at him and see both a student and a real challenger.

His path? It actually reminds you a bit of Hansen’s early days. He’s trying to balance patience with ambition, which isn’t easy.

The Rapids really care about keeping things steady at goalkeeper. By mentoring Campagnolo, they’re making the position stronger for the long haul.

Hansen shows up with professionalism and solid communication during training. That’s helped the younger keeper get used to what MLS expects.

If Steffen leaves or Beaudry jumps up the depth chart, Hansen’s experience could fill the gap for a while. That blend of mentorship and being ready to step in really shapes his value for the club’s future at goalkeeper.