“It’s time to move past it.” Sam Vines on Antwerp Champions League Fallout, Return Home, and More

COMMERCE CITY – Sam Vines rejoined Colorado Rapids a month ago this week. The 24-year-old returns to the loving arms of his family in Colorado Springs and Rapids fans. He’s since gotten engaged. Despite the clerical error that had him miss out on UEFA Champions League with Royal Antwerp, things are on the up for the Vinesback.

“The family’s really good. We haven’t picked a (wedding) date yet. We want to find our schedule first. Everyone’s still in the Springs. They’ll come up to visit once the house is finished,” Vines told Burgundy Wave.

He made it back just in time to join the club’s preseason trip to Querétaro in Mexico. “I’ve been at sea level for so long. I hadn’t been in the sun for so long. I got so sunburnt. My legs were fine, but my lungs, it was hard to breathe,” Vines said with a laugh.

His time in Europe wasn’t all for naught. He clearly grew off the field as a person and professional. Take out the time he missed for two major injuries and 58 appearances for Antwerp across all competitions had him as a regular. They won the league in 2022-23 and two cup competitions as well.

“With time you grow up and get more mature,” He said. “I feel more confident. It’s all good experiences, playing at the highest level you can. It matures your game.”

All while his Dutch was “niet zo goed” as he puts it, in an American accent. The Colorado Springs native does boast he can understand Dutch better than he can speak it.

The breaking point for Vines and The Reds might have been last fall when he was omitted from their Champions League Roster. Antwerp finished last in the group with their only points coming in a dead rubber 3-2 win against Barcelona.

“From what I was told it was a clerical error. I was told someone pressed the wrong button.”

To say nothing of the opportunity denied, Vines’ versatility on the left certainly would have made them more competitive.

“It’s motivation. It’s really difficult when something like that comes in. I was speechless. What do you say to that? You work your whole life to play in (the) Champions League. It was crushing. That was the same year I broke my leg. Missed the Word Cup that same season. It’s time to move past it.”

Sources have told Burgundy Wave that Vines had fallen out of favor with the coaching staff. Clerical error or not, it was probably a good time to respectfully part ways.

Vines returns to a Colorado Rapids team that is revitalized with new signings, Keegan Rosenberry as captain, and Chris Armas as manager.

“(Chris) knows what he wants from the team. He brings a lot of energy. He makes it really clear, so we don’t have to think too much. We know what the game plan is. We just run with it. It’s high tempo, high intensity,” Vines said with a smile.

Rapids fans are hoping the Vinesback returns and Armas can get the most out of him. The thought of the former Homegrown combining with record signing Djordje Mihailović is exciting to everyone.

“I played with him in the past. He’s a good technical player. I think he’ll help the team,” said Vines, adding “I kept up with Djordje. I played with him when we were a lot younger playing in Olympic Qualifiers. We’ve been pretty good friends since then.”

The two maintained a friendship in 2023 with Mihailović playing for AZ Alkmaar, just two hours away from Antwerp. Vines and Rosenberry are also excited to be reunited as opposite fullbacks.

“It’s awesome. Cole and I talked about for as many faces as we lost from last year, it’s nice to get one back. Sammy’s excited. We’re all excited. There’s a buzz about the club. We all know how good of a player Sam was here previously. We’re all excited to see how he’s grown. Left backs are hard to find. He was a good one. I’m looking forward to maturation. He’s an easy guy to lead,” Captain Keegan said.

“We were joking with each other ‘I can’t believe you’re the captain now.’ He’s a great guy and a great leader for the team. He deserves to be the leader of the group,” Vines responded.

He’s back in a place where he succeeded with a team once again on the up with young talent. His life off the field is healthy. And he’s even wearing a number Rapids fans love, albeit haphazardly.

“I didn’t. I wanted #14 for my fiancé, my mom. It’s their favorite number. Calvin’s already #14,” Vines said when asked if taking Drew Moor’s legendary #3 was intentional. He didn’t want his old #13 back. He asked the family group chat for suggestions and the majority said #3.

As great as this video was, Vines taking Moor’s number was not symbolic. It was unintentional and unknowing. Maybe that makes it better.

Photo Credit: Colorado Rapids

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