Wayne Frederick, Colorado Rapids #13 Midfielder: Career & Impact

You watch a young midfielder in the number 13 shirt glide across the pitch, setting the pace with a calm touch. Wayne Frederick isn’t just another name on the Colorado Rapids roster. He’s quietly carving out his spot in Major League Soccer, combining confidence with technical skill.

Wayne Frederick gives you a real look at how intelligence and composure can shape a midfielder’s game at the pro level.

His story starts at Duke University. He starred there as a versatile midfielder and defender, then landed as a top pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. The Rapids didn’t just see potential—they saw someone ready to contribute right away.

He developed through the club’s system, including time with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. That steady progress really set a foundation for his future.

Now, Frederick’s earning call-ups to the Trinidad and Tobago National Team. His career stretches beyond MLS, blending college success, pro growth, and international chances.

If you’re following Colorado’s midfield, you’ve got every reason to keep an eye on what Frederick does next.

Wayne Frederick’s Role with Colorado Rapids

You can spot Frederick’s influence by how the Colorado Rapids build through midfield. He makes quick decisions, stays calm under pressure, and links defense to attack.

As he gains experience at both club and international levels, his maturity stands out.

Squad Number and Position

Wayne Frederick wears number 13 for the Colorado Rapids. Fans are starting to recognize that number. He plays as a central midfielder, balancing defense with creativity.

He drops deep to collect the ball, helping the back line push forward.

Before the Rapids, Frederick played at Duke University. That’s where he sharpened his passing and tactical sense.

His college experience really prepared him for the speed and strength of MLS.

Frederick’s versatility means he can play as a holding midfielder or push up as a box-to-box guy. That flexibility gives the Rapids different looks, especially when they need to tweak tactics mid-match.

He keeps the center organized. You’ll notice how he’s always available for a pass, even when things get tight.

First Team Appearances

After being drafted second overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, Frederick started earning minutes with the Rapids’ first team. His debut season proved he belonged in professional soccer.

By 2025, he’d played in both league and cup matches, sometimes starting alongside veteran midfielders. Those early performances built trust with the coaches and his teammates.

Frederick also played for Trinidad and Tobago’s national team. That international experience helped him adjust to different styles and make quicker decisions.

Season	Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
2024	MLS	18	1	2
2025	MLS	22	2	3

These stats show steady progress for a young midfielder still getting used to the league.

Key Contributions in MLS

Frederick’s main strengths? He controls the tempo and keeps possession. He moves the ball quickly and rarely loses it, even in tight spots.

His passing accuracy usually sits above 85 percent, which says a lot about his reliability.

In several games, he set up chances with clever through balls and overlapping runs. That assist against San Jose? Perfect timing, and it led to an important goal.

Frederick helps defensively, too. He racks up interceptions and tackles, helping the Rapids win back control in midfield.

His fitness lets him press and recover quickly. When the Rapids are holding a narrow lead, Frederick’s calm presence helps them manage the clock and close out games.

Playing Style and Attributes

Frederick plays with a steady balance and sharp mind. He doesn’t go for flashy moves—he just gets things done.

His first touch is clean, and his passing range stretches defenses out. At 6’0″, he uses his size well in the air and when shielding the ball.

He moves off the ball to open up passing lanes, making life easier for his teammates.

Coaches love his discipline and communication. He listens, adapts, and avoids risky plays. That maturity comes from his Duke days, where he learned to read the game instead of just chasing it.

Frederick’s mix of composure, work rate, and skill makes him a steady piece in the Rapids’ midfield. He’s helping shape a team that wants to play smart, possession-based soccer.

If you want to dig deeper, check out his player profile and Wikipedia page.

MLS SuperDraft and Professional Transition

Frederick’s path to Major League Soccer feels like a steady climb. He built his game at Duke, then jumped into the pro scene with the Colorado Rapids, showing right away that he could handle the league’s speed.

2024 MLS SuperDraft Selection

The 2024 MLS SuperDraft was a turning point for Frederick. The Rapids picked him second overall—that’s a big vote of confidence in his skills and vision.

He entered the draft after two strong seasons at Duke University, where he earned a reputation for precise passing and solid defensive work.

At Duke, Frederick put up consistent numbers and caught national attention. He controlled tempo, handled pressure, and looked like one of the most complete midfielders in his class.

The Rapids’ front office valued his versatility. They saw him as a central playmaker or a deep-lying midfielder.

That draft class included other top prospects like Kimani Stewart-Baynes and Nate Jones. You can check the draft details on the Colorado Rapids’ official site.

Signing with Colorado Rapids

Frederick signed his first pro contract with Colorado in January 2024. He was one of three top SuperDraft picks to join the Rapids’ first team that winter, as Burgundy Wave reported.

Right from the start, you could tell the club wanted him in the mix, not just stashed away in the reserves.

His signing showed the Rapids’ focus on developing young talent. They paired Frederick with experienced midfielders to speed up his growth.

He jumped into preseason training and impressed coaches with his work rate and composure.

The Rapids saw him as a long-term piece, someone who could help in both MLS and international games. He joined early team scrimmages and tactical sessions, setting the tone for a quick adjustment to pro soccer.

Debut and Early Performances

Frederick made his MLS debut on April 13, 2024. Since then, he’s played in 12 matches across all competitions, including MLS, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup, according to ColoradoRapids.com.

He’s also spent time with Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro, notching two goals and four assists in 19 matches. His steady play earned him a call-up to the Trinidad and Tobago national team for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
MLS Regular Season	8	0	1
Concacaf Champions Cup	2	0	0
Leagues Cup	2	0	0
MLS NEXT Pro (Rapids 2)	19	2	4

His early impact isn’t about scoring. It’s about controlling possession, linking defense to attack, and reading the game well.

For a 20-year-old, that’s a pretty smooth jump from college to the pros.

Development with Colorado Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro

A young midfielder’s growth really depends on steady minutes and good coaching. Frederick found both with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro.

That experience helped him sharpen his decisions, passing, and defensive instincts against pro-level competition.

Loan to Rapids 2

Frederick joined Colorado Rapids 2 right after leaving Duke. The Rapids wanted him to get match experience before stepping up to the senior roster.

They used this pathway to help him adjust to the league’s physical style and tactical demands.

During his loan, coaches focused on short passing and defensive recovery runs. Each week, his comfort with the system grew.

He started several matches in central midfield, using those games to test his timing and composure.

The staff credited his steady improvement for earning him first-team minutes later that season.

That developmental stint built trust between Frederick and the coaching staff. It also proved he could handle the pro environment expected in MLS.

Performance in MLS NEXT Pro

Frederick stood out in MLS NEXT Pro with his technical control and field awareness. He kept his passing accuracy high and stayed patient in possession, even when pressed.

He shifted between holding and attacking roles, depending on the match plan. You could see his off-ball movement improve as he learned to anticipate transitions.

Here’s a quick look at his 2025 MLS NEXT Pro stats:

Category	Matches	Minutes	Pass Accuracy	Tackles Won	Key Passes
MLS NEXT Pro 2025	3	210	87%	7	5

These numbers show how reliable he’s become. Coaches valued his ability to keep structure and tempo, which helped Rapids 2 control the midfield.

Assists and Goals

Frederick’s attacking contributions came from smart movement and quick passing. He didn’t take many long shots, but he set up plays with through balls and one-touch passes near the box.

In limited MLS NEXT Pro games, he chipped in a few assists. His awareness in tight spaces led to real scoring chances for teammates.

He recorded two assists and one goal with Rapids 2, according to MLSsoccer.com. That output showed progress in his timing and confidence in the attack.

Each assist reflected his knack for spotting defensive gaps and delivering the right pass under pressure.

For a young midfielder adjusting to pro speed, those moments really mattered.

Progression as a Young Talent

Frederick’s journey through Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro shows how structured development can launch an MLS career.

You can see his growth from a standout at Duke to a composed pro who can handle multiple midfield roles.

Coaches describe him as detail-oriented and open to feedback. That attitude made his transition into the Rapids’ senior squad much smoother.

By 2025, he’d made 12 total appearances across all competitions for the first team, as the Colorado Rapids noted.

Frederick’s steady climb in the Rapids system really highlights how valuable MLS NEXT Pro can be as a bridge from college to the top division. It gave him the space to learn, adapt, and contribute without losing his confidence or rhythm.

International Career with Trinidad & Tobago

Here’s a young midfielder who’s already pulled on his country’s shirt. Wayne Frederick has spent time with Trinidad & Tobago, making his senior debut, showing up in World Cup qualifiers, and picking up lessons in training camps that really shaped his path since Duke.

National Team Debut

Frederick made his first senior appearance for the Trinidad & Tobago National Team in December 2024. That match happened in Riyadh against Saudi Arabia, tossing him straight into international football outside MLS.

He was just 20. Imagine moving from Duke’s college fields to the Colorado Rapids, then suddenly jumping into the senior national squad.

He got his debut in a friendly, a match where coaches wanted to test out younger players. They liked his calmness and how he kept the ball moving even under pressure—pretty much what he did in college, too.

Match	Opponent	Date	Location	Result	Minutes Played
Friendly	Saudi Arabia	Dec 17, 2024	Riyadh	0–2 (L)	61

Coaches praised Frederick after that game, seeing him as a midfielder who could stick around for years.

2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers

Trinidad & Tobago kicked off its 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in June 2025. Frederick landed on the roster for the opening round, facing St. Kitts and Nevis and Costa Rica during the June FIFA window.

The Colorado Rapids noted this was already his third senior call-up since joining the club. Coaches liked how he linked defense and attack with short, crisp passes.

In qualifiers, every touch matters. Frederick’s calmness in midfield helped Trinidad & Tobago keep its shape, even against stronger teams.

He often played as a holding midfielder, shielding the back line and moving the ball efficiently.

Opponent	Date	Competition	Result	Role
St. Kitts & Nevis	Jun 6, 2025	World Cup Qualifier	2–1 (W)	Started
Costa Rica	Jun 10, 2025	World Cup Qualifier	0–3 (L)	Substitute

Those matches gave him his first real taste of the intensity you get in international football.

Matches Against Bermuda and Saudi Arabia

Frederick’s early international days included friendlies that tested Trinidad & Tobago’s young core. Before the qualifiers, he played in a closed-door training match against Bermuda—a chance for coaches to try out new tactics.

The December 2024 friendly against Saudi Arabia was a bigger stage. He faced a disciplined team that moved quickly, so he had to react faster and deal with less space.

Both matches served up valuable lessons. You can see how they helped him make quicker decisions. His awareness and first touch sharpened up, thanks to these international tests.

Opponent	Type	Year	Minutes	Key Takeaway
Bermuda	Friendly	2024	45	Improved defensive positioning
Saudi Arabia	Friendly	2024	61	Adapted to higher tempo

Those games boosted his confidence, and it started to show back with Colorado.

International Training Camps

Frederick’s involvement went beyond just matches. He joined several international training camps with Trinidad & Tobago, including March 2025 sessions before the Concacaf Gold Cup preliminaries against Cuba.

Training camps focused on tactics and fitness. Picture Frederick working with veterans, trying to pick up the rhythm of international prep.

Each camp helped him understand the team’s system better. Coaches pushed for compact defending and quick transitions—areas where his MLS experience came in handy.

He also learned off the field, figuring out how to handle travel and the pressure of representing a country. These experiences made him more reliable for both club and country.

Camp	Month	Focus	Notes
Gold Cup Prep	Mar 2025	Tactical structure	Included scrimmages vs local clubs
World Cup Qualifier Prep	May 2025	Set-piece organization	Focused on defensive shape

Frederick keeps growing into a steady contributor for Trinidad & Tobago.

Youth and Collegiate Background

You can see how a solid foundation shapes a player like Wayne Frederick. His years in Maryland youth soccer, his rise at St. Albans, and his steady development at Duke University built the base for his game today.

Early Years at Bethesda SC

Frederick’s discipline and ball control really stood out at Bethesda Soccer Club, one of Maryland’s top youth programs. Playing in the U.S. Soccer Development Academy, he learned about structure, spacing, and tempo early on.

He played both central midfield and defense, which gave him a full view of the field. Coaches liked how he read the game and won the ball back quickly.

At Bethesda, Frederick often played against older, tougher opponents. That helped him adjust to faster, more physical matches. Scouts started noticing, and college interest followed.

Key Development Areas:

• Tactical positioning
• First-touch control
• Passing accuracy under pressure

Achievements at St. Albans School

At St. Albans School in D.C., Frederick really stepped up as a leader. He earned All-American, All-Met, and All-Conference honors, putting him among the area’s top prospects.

He led St. Albans to a 2021 DCSAA championship and handled the pressure in big moments with real poise. Teammates called him composed and reliable, on and off the field.

His high school years connected him to the wider D.C. soccer network. His performances drew attention from Division I programs, including Duke.

Notable Honors:

Season	Team Achievement	Personal Recognition
2021	DCSAA Champions	All-American
2022	IAC Runner-Up	All-Met Selection

Collegiate Career at Duke University

Frederick joined the Duke Blue Devils and kept developing against top NCAA competition. As a freshman, he played in 19 games and started eight, grabbing a spot in Top Drawer Soccer’s Postseason Freshman Top-100.

In his sophomore year, he started all 17 games, adding 3 goals and 3 assists. His versatility let Duke use him in both midfield and defense when needed.

Duke Career Stats:

Year	Games Played	Starts	Goals	Assists
2022	19	8	0	1
2023	17	17	3	3

Frederick’s consistency and tactical sense made him a steady presence for Duke. That success led to the Colorado Rapids picking him second overall in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft (St. Albans School profile).

Playing Positions and Versatility

Wayne Frederick’s game relies a lot on balance, timing, and awareness. He can shift between holding, central, and defensive roles, giving the Colorado Rapids tactical flexibility that’s rare for a young player.

Defensive Midfielder

When Frederick lines up as a defensive midfielder, he reads the field calmly. He positions himself between the opponent’s attack and his own back line, breaking up plays before they get dangerous. His anticipation stands out more than his size or strength.

At Duke, Frederick learned to track runners and win the ball efficiently. That training shows in MLS, where he averages solid interception numbers and keeps his passing sharp.

Metric	2025 MLS Season*
Tackles per 90	2.4
Interceptions per 90	1.9
Pass Accuracy	86%

*Approximate data from MLSsoccer.com.

His discipline in front of the defense lets teammates push forward with confidence. Coaches trust him to help close out tight matches when control really matters.

Central Midfielder

In a central role, Frederick connects defense and attack. You’ll see him taking the ball from defenders, turning quickly, and starting the next move. His passing range fits the Rapids’ possession style.

At Duke University, he developed a calm first touch and good vision—skills that now work well in MLS. He knows when to slow things down and when to push the ball forward.

His decision-making keeps the midfield ticking. He’s not flashy, but he’s steady, completing short passes, switching play, and keeping everyone organized.

Type	Success Rate
Short Passes	91%
Long Passes	77%
Key Passes per 90	1.2

Frederick’s reliability makes him a natural fit in the center, especially when the Rapids need someone calm under pressure.

Right-Back and Defender Roles

Frederick’s versatility goes way beyond just playing midfield. When injuries pop up or coaches need to shake things up, he’ll step in as a right-back or wide defender.

You’ll often catch him hustling back, reading the play, and shutting down passing lanes.

With the Colorado Rapids, Frederick showed he’s at ease defending one-on-one and also joining the attack from deep.

He likes to keep things simple—just quick, accurate passes to ease the pressure and get things moving again.

Coaches love this kind of flexibility. Whether they need to hold onto a lead or cover for someone out of position, Frederick’s sense for defensive structure really helps keep things steady.

He can switch roles on the fly and stay locked in, which, honestly, makes him a real asset for any team.