The dream is just about realized for the Bassett brothers.
After a successful college career with the University of Denver that ended with Sam Bassett leading the Pioneers to their second College Cup as a MAC Hermann Trophy finalist, the midfielder signed a one-year Homegrown deal with the Colorado Rapids on Tuesday for the 2025 season.
The contract includes three consecutive one-year club options for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Signing the Littleton native seemed a foregone conclusion after his Homegrown status left him ineligible for the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. Though the club took a little longer than anticipated, the Bassett brothers, headlined by Rapids star Cole, can finally play professionally with each other rather than watching from a distance.
“Growing up, we basically did everything together,” Sam Bassett told The Denver Post back in September. “Ultimately, we just want to play together in the end and have successful careers.”
Now it’s a reality. And one that was earned by a player who will go down as one of the Pios’ best.
Along with a strong 2020 recruiting class, Sam Bassett spearheaded a program turnaround that was first derailed by injuries across the roster in 2023.
Because of that, Bassett felt there was more to be accomplished in 2024. And he wasn’t wrong. His Pioneers came just short of a Summit League title after an impressive 12-2-4 regular season. In the NCAA Tournament, Bassett notched three assists and an incredible goal in the College Cup semifinals against Vermont.
His effort landed him a spot as one of the three MAC Hermann Trophy finalists for college soccer’s best player. Ohio State’s Michael Adedokun, who was picked 13th overall in the SuperDraft by Montréal, took the award home.
In four years at DU, Bassett put up 74 points with 24 goals and 26 assists — second, third and first in DU history, respectively. In 2024, his nine goals and 13 assists were career bests. The latter was the third-best in the country.
Bassett will join the team when the Rapids officially begin their preseason on Jan. 11. The club currently has five closed-door friendlies on the preseason docket: three in Santiago de Querétaro, Mexico, then two in Palm Beach, Fla. The first friendly will take place on Jan. 19.
The Rapids begin the season with a CONCACAF Champions Cup match at home against LAFC on Feb. 18. Their MLS regular season opener is on the road at St. Louis CITY on Feb. 22.
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