Free agent, USMNT’er Reggie Cannon signs with Colorado Rapids

COMMERCE CITY — If a European-based United States Men’s National Team player needs a landing spot, the Colorado Rapids have proven to be the runway in 2024. Reggie Cannon is the latest arrival.

Free agent and 26-year-old defender Reggie Cannon signed with the Colorado Rapids Wednesday morning, the club announced. It is a three-and-a-half-year deal which runs through the 2027 MLS season, with a club option for 2028.

He became the fourth player in the USMNT player pool to join the Rapids this season including Sam Vines, Zack Steffen and Djordje Mihailovic. He has 28 appearances for the U.S.

“We are thrilled to add a player of Reggie’s caliber to our group,” Colorado Rapids president Pádraig Smith said in the release. “Reggie is a player with fantastic experience, having competed at the highest levels domestically and internationally. His athleticism, defensive qualities and tactical awareness strengthens our backline while his versatility provides additional flexibility in our lineup. We’re excited to have him contribute to the success of the team and help us continue building a MLS Cup contending squad.”

Cannon spent one season with Queens Park Rangers in the English Championship, where he made 21 appearances across all competitions. Cannon and QPR parted ways by mutual consent in mid-August. According to GiveMeSport reporter Tom Bogert, his release coincided with the end of the MLS summer transfer window which made him eligible for free agency.

Previously, he was at Boavista in Portugal’s top flight where he made 89 appearances across all competitions from 2020-2023.

Cannon broke through with FC Dallas as a Homegrown Player, where he played from 2016-2020. He is now the fifth former FC Dallas player to join the Burgundy Boys in recent seasons: Drew Moor (joined Colorado in 2009), Anthony Wallace (2010), Kellyn Acosta (2018), and Michael Barrios (2021).

Reggie Cannon very much fits the mold of the Rapids’ roster build and unofficial motto in 2024: Something To Prove FC. Given his age, his pedigree, how he was once a national team mainstay, and an innate desire to get back into the USMNT fold under new coach Mauricio Pochettino, it’s no wonder Pádraig Smith found a way to bring him in.

What this means for the back line

Tactically, Cannon is a bit of a chameleon. Listed as a right-sided centerback, he can play virtually anywhere in a back four.

Cannon’s versatility will be key down the stretch for Chris Armas and staff, as he can be used in many areas such as cover for Lalas Abubakar in central defense or out wide as an outside back. Abubakar has performed admirably since the transfer of Moïse Bombito to OGC Nice and Michael Edwards is the option off the bench, but, is still largely untested (3 appearances). Additionally, the Texan can also slot into the left-hand side and fill in for Sam Vines at left back, who injured his hamstring during the Leagues Cup third-place game, as the club has not given a timeline for his return.

Cannon will be eligible to suit up this weekend as fourth-place Colorado (13-9-5, 44 points) will host the eighth-place Portland Timbers (11-9-7, 40 points) at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

R2’s Marlon Vargas loaned out to New Mexico United

Elsewhere within the Rapids organization, Colorado Rapids 2 announced Wednesday it had loaned out its captain, Marlon Vargas, to USL Championship side New Mexico United for the remainder of the 2024 season.

Since he arrived at the start of the 2023 season, the 23-year-old has been the talisman for R2, as he lit up MLS NEXT Pro. Vargas has scored 10 goals and added six assists this season in addition to a stellar 2023 campaign in which he had five goals and 10 assists.

“Marlon has been instrumental in the successes of Rapids 2 over the past two seasons. His contributions in the competitive arena speak for themselves, but his influence on the younger players in the group has been just as valuable. It is great that he has earned the opportunity to take another step forward with one of the best in USL,” Brian Crookham, Rapids 2 general manager said in a statement.

He has played for the First Team a handful of times and, much like fellow R2 stud Yosuke Hanya, who is also on loan in the Championship, could benefit greatly by earning key minutes down the stretch come the postseason. The Black and Yellow are in first place in the Western Conference.