You spot number 8 moving through midfield in burgundy, calm on the ball and always aware of what’s next. Oliver Larraz has turned into a core piece for the Colorado Rapids, shaping attacks and setting the pace.
You keep watching because he’s exactly what the club wants—homegrown talent that’s grown through patience, discipline, and a lot of trust.
Larraz grew up in Denver, came through the Rapids Academy, and even spent time with MSV Duisburg’s U19s and the Barcelona Residency Academy before heading back home. That mix of experience shows up in how he reads the game and stays calm under pressure.
His journey didn’t happen overnight, and it wasn’t always easy. But those years made him into a player who gets both the craft and the grind of MLS.
At 24, he anchors the Rapids midfield, blending technical ability with sharper defensive instincts. You can feel his confidence every match, whether he’s linking up with Connor Ronan or breaking lines with a slick first touch.
His rise—from local prospect to reliable MLS starter—says a lot about what it takes to make it in Colorado’s system. If you want to dig deeper into his story, check out Colorado Rapids and see how his growth continues to shape the club’s identity.
Player Profile
You see a midfielder who mixes technical skill with steady decision-making. He’s shaped by his Denver roots, a disciplined approach, and a real commitment to the Colorado Rapids.
Background and Early Life
Oliver Larraz was born on September 16, 2001, in Denver, Colorado. Growing up just a short drive from Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, he’d watch the Rapids and imagine himself on that field.
His local background makes his journey through the Rapids system feel even more special. Larraz came up through the Rapids Academy and signed a homegrown contract in 2021.
He also put in time with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, where he built a reputation for consistency and work ethic. While at the University of Denver, he balanced classes with early pro training.
His path really highlights the club’s focus on developing local players. That foundation gives him a strong sense of identity and a real connection to the community.
Playing Position and Style
Larraz usually plays as a central midfielder. He brings balance, often acting as a link between defense and attack.
His passing accuracy and calmness under pressure help him keep possession, even when things get tight. He prefers quick, short passes to move play forward.
Coaches appreciate his spatial awareness and how he reads the game. That helps him anticipate what opponents might do next.
Here’s a quick look at his recent stats:
| Season | Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Passing Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Colorado Rapids 2 | 24 | 5 | 6 | 87% |
| 2024 | Colorado Rapids | 21 | 2 | 4 | 85% |
His style fits right into the Rapids’ possession-focused system. You’ll notice he almost never loses his cool, even when pressed by aggressive midfielders.
Jersey Number and Significance
You spot Larraz by his number 8 jersey for the Rapids. That number means something in soccer—usually worn by players who drive the game from midfield.
For Larraz, it represents both his role and what he wants to become. He earned it after working his way up from the academy to the senior team.
Wearing number 8 connects him to past Rapids midfielders who shaped the club’s culture. When you see him in maroon, that number stands for reliability, effort, and a deep link to Denver soccer.
You can check out his latest stats and details on his Colorado Rapids profile and his MLS player page.
Colorado Rapids Career
You’ve watched Oliver Larraz grow from a local prospect into a steady Rapids midfielder. His time with the club shows patience, progress, and a steady drive that matches the Rapids’ belief in their Homegrown players.
First Team Debut
Larraz joined the Colorado Rapids first team in 2021 after coming through the academy. He grew up in Denver and played at San Diego State University, showing the Rapids’ commitment to building from within.
He made his senior debut in 2021, and right away, you could see his composure. The club’s official profile marks that as the start of his pro career.
He split time between the first team and Colorado Rapids 2, picking up experience in MLS NEXT Pro. His performances earned him a spot in the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, showing his growing influence in the organization.
Key Matches and Performances
You can follow Larraz’s growth through a few standout games. In 2023 and 2024, he impressed with his passing accuracy and ability to control the midfield.
He even picked up a Player of the Matchday honor, as noted by Colorado Rapids coverage. That reflected his sharp decision-making and improved defensive work.
Here’s a quick look at some early career numbers:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Cards | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | MLS |
| 2023 | 20 | 4 | 3 | 2 | MLS NEXT Pro |
| 2024 | 15 | 2 | 4 | 1 | MLS NEXT Pro |
You can see the steady growth, especially in his attacking numbers from midfield.
Role Within the Club
Larraz acts as a bridge between the Rapids’ academy and first team. His presence backs up the club’s strategy of promoting Homegrown players, along with teammates like Sebastian Anderson.
The Rapids signed him to a one-year contract with options for more seasons, as team news confirms. That deal shows the organization sees long-term value in him.
Inside the locker room, he plays a flexible midfield role, rotating between central and attacking spots. For a team mixing youth and experience, Larraz’s steady presence helps keep things balanced.
Season Performance and Statistics
You notice how Oliver Larraz’s reliable midfield play gives the Rapids rhythm. His passing, defensive positioning, and minutes on the field show a player growing in confidence in Major League Soccer.
2025 MLS Season Overview
Larraz started the 2025 season as a 24-year-old midfielder from Seattle, Washington, after playing college soccer at the University of Portland. He looks composed in possession and connects quick passes through pressure.
He played both as a starter and off the bench, showing he can handle central and attacking midfield. According to the Colorado Rapids official site, he kept the number 8 shirt and contributed in league and cup games.
His defensive work rate jumped, with more recoveries per 90 minutes than before. You also see him taking on more responsibility during transitions, linking defense to attack.
He doesn’t score a ton, but his impact on buildup play stands out.
Goals and Assists
Larraz’s stats show he helps the team more with movement and passing than with goals. On ESPN’s player stats page, you’ll see his 2025 season didn’t include many goals, but he set up several chances.
He’s strong at setting up teammates from deeper spots. His assists went up a bit from last year, thanks to better timing and awareness.
| Category | Goals | Assists | Key Passes | Shot Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 MLS Season | 0 | 3 | 21 | 44% |
He often plays from the half-spaces, keeping defenders guessing. He doesn’t turn the ball over much, making him a safe but productive option in possession.
That efficiency helps the Rapids control close games.
Match Log and Appearances
Larraz played over 30 times across league and cup matches, starting some and coming off the bench in others. His match log on Flashscore shows he stayed involved from spring through fall.
His playing time shows the coaches trust him. He averaged more than 60 minutes per start, often subbed late to keep the midfield solid.
| Competition | Matches Played | Starts | Sub Appearances | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS | 28 | 22 | 6 | 1,870 |
| U.S. Open Cup | 3 | 2 | 1 | 210 |
| Total | 31 | 24 | 7 | 2,080 |
He rarely missed games due to injury, showing he’s durable and fit. His ability to adjust tactically helped the Rapids in tight spots.
Career Stats Breakdown
By 2025, Larraz had put together a solid MLS record. His career stats on Transfermarkt show steady progress in games and minutes since his 2021 debut.
| Season | Club | Matches | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Colorado Rapids | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | Colorado Rapids | 15 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| 2024 | Colorado Rapids | 26 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| 2025 | Colorado Rapids | 31 | 0 | 3 | 4 |
You can see he’s getting more involved each year. His discipline improved, even with a heavier defensive load.
Larraz’s career path shows a player growing inside the Rapids’ system, picking up more responsibility every season. His steady production and reliability make him a dependable piece of Colorado’s midfield rotation.
Off the Field
Off the pitch, you notice Larraz values connection as much as competition. He spends time in Colorado communities, chats with fans in interviews and team videos, and pops up often on the Rapids’ digital channels.
His off-field presence feels just as focused and disciplined as his training sessions.
Community Engagement
You can really see how much Larraz cares about his hometown of Denver. As a homegrown player, he jumps in with Rapids youth programs and local soccer clinics whenever he can.
He visits community centers and schools, showing he genuinely wants to support young athletes following a similar path through Colorado’s youth system.
Larraz also gets involved with club-led outreach like Kick Childhood Cancer and Soccer for All. These events let players connect directly with fans, breaking down barriers and building real trust between the team and the community.
Community Highlights
| Event | Role | Year | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kick Childhood Cancer | Participant | 2024 | Denver, CO |
| Rapids Youth Camp | Mentor | 2023 | Commerce City, CO |
| Soccer for All | Volunteer | 2022 | Aurora, CO |
Larraz always brings an approachable vibe and makes himself a regular at local outreach. His Denver roots clearly drive his efforts to give back.
Media Features and Interviews
If you follow Larraz’s career, you’ll notice he’s pretty comfortable in front of a camera or microphone. On The Conversation podcast from the Colorado Rapids, he chatted about playing for Landon Donovan and how he’s developed as a midfielder. He speaks directly and thoughtfully, which shows he’s aware of where he stands and how he fits with the team.
He’s also popped up in MLSsoccer.com features that track his journey from Denver’s youth leagues to Major League Soccer. These interviews tend to spotlight his friendship with teammate Connor Ronan and how coach Chris Armas has shaped his tactical side.
Larraz seems likely to keep offering media access, sharing insights into his mindset, prep, and leadership style.
App and Digital Presence
You’ll spot Larraz’s profile on platforms like ESPN and Flashscore, where you can check his match stats and performance data in real time. Fans get to track his appearances, minutes, and cards through these digital tools.
2025 Season Snapshot
| Matches | Starts | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 28 | 0 | 2 | 4 |
The Rapids’ official app shares short video clips and training updates featuring Larraz, so you get a peek at his prep routines. His interviews and matchday photos pop up on team social feeds, making it easier for fans to keep up with him outside the stadium.
Larraz’s digital footprint really shows he gets how online engagement boosts his connection and visibility.
Fan Experience
You can follow Oliver Larraz’s rise with the Colorado Rapids in all sorts of ways, from catching games at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park to streaming every match live. Whether you want to plan a visit, watch from your couch, or grab official gear, the club keeps things pretty straightforward so you stay connected.
Tickets and Schedule
You can grab single-game or season tickets right from the Colorado Rapids website. The site lays out seating maps, pricing, and parking info. If you buy early, you usually get better seat options and sometimes discounts for certain matches.
The Rapids play at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park in Commerce City, Colorado, and gates usually open about 90 minutes before kickoff. The club posts the full MLS schedule online, including preseason and playoff games.
Here’s a quick look at Larraz’s 2025 season numbers:
| Category | Matches | Starts | Minutes | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MLS 2025 | 28 | 22 | 1,890 | 2 | 4 |
You can even sync the schedule to your phone calendar so you never miss a match.
MLS Season Pass and Streaming
If you can’t make it out to the stadium, MLS Season Pass on Apple TV lets you watch every Rapids match live. The service covers live games, full replays, and highlights. You can stream on just about any device—phone, tablet, smart TV, you name it.
Subscribers get both English and Spanish commentary. You’ll also find player interviews, including The Conversation with Oliver Larraz, on Apple TV.
For fans outside Colorado, this is probably the simplest way to keep up with the team. The platform lists match stats, standings, and postgame analysis, and you don’t have to worry about blackout restrictions.
Store and Merchandise
Official gear is available at the Rapids Team Store at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park or online in the club’s official shop. You’ll find jerseys, scarves, and hats with Larraz’s number 8 in both adult and youth sizes.
The store runs promotions during home games or special events. You can also browse training gear, match balls, and limited-edition apparel.
If you’d rather shop online, they ship nationwide, and members can score discounts with loyalty programs. Keeping your collection up to date is a nice way to support Larraz and the Rapids all season.
Additional Resources
You can dig deeper into Oliver Larraz’s development, stats, and media coverage through team pages, Spanish-language outlets, and stat databases. These resources help you follow his journey with the Colorado Rapids and see how his background and training keep shaping his career.
Spanish Language Coverage
If you follow MLS in español, you’ll find several outlets covering Larraz’s matches and interviews in detail. Spanish sections of MLSsoccer.com and ColoradoRapids.com often translate team news and highlight his role in midfield.
You’ll also spot commentary on platforms like Tribuna.com, which posts player profiles and match ratings for Larraz in both English and Spanish. These reports are great if you like bilingual coverage or want to compare takes in different languages.
In Latin America, sports radio and podcasts sometimes discuss Larraz’s performances, especially after a key assist or goal. Many episodes of The Conversation with Oliver Larraz on the Colorado Rapids’ official site include Spanish subtitles or transcripts.
Tip: Check out MLS Español social media pages for quick updates and player features. They often share short clips or graphics with Larraz’s stats in Spanish, so it’s easy to stay in the loop.
Where to Find More Information
If you want to check out Larraz’s stats or career milestones, you’ll find them in some pretty solid databases. His Transfermarkt profile shows his age, position, and market value. Flashscore and LiveScore break things down match by match.
Career Snapshot
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021–2025 | Colorado Rapids | 45 | 5 | 7 |
Larraz played college soccer at the University of Portland. Right now, he’s still sharpening his skills in MLS with the Rapids.
You’ll catch his latest performances and some video highlights on ESPN’s player page.
If you want to dive deeper, Mad About College Sports has a performance overview. They take a closer look at his positioning and movement.
These pages usually have the most up-to-date info about his progress as Colorado’s number 8 midfielder.
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