Thu. Dec 12th, 2024
Jasper Löffelsend Dillon Serna
Photo Credit: John Babiak

SAN DIEGO, Calif. – For the first time in a decade, the Colorado Rapids had a player taken in an Expansion Draft. On Wednesday night, San Diego FC selected midfielder Jasper Löffelsend in the 2024 MLS Expansion Draft.

This comes after the German spent just one year with Colorado Rapids. He played 331 minutes across 18 appearances in regular season play. Löffelsend was brought in as a depth piece in central midfield and safety valve. Cole Bassett made a surprise move to a No. 8 in a 4-2-3-1 early on in the season. Combined with Oli Larraz having a break out year, Löffelsend was a double pivot back up. He started just two games in the regular season. A lot of his appearances were as a garbage time sub for what that’s worth. A few Rapids fans have called him a human white flag.

He did sign a contract extension midseason, bringing his total compensation to $256,000 annually. He’s a safe and useful contract in MLS. The 27-year-old has a team option for 2026 and then will be out of contract. He’s not a starter you’d build your team around. Colorado never played him at his natural position of right back for what that’s worth. That’s something to watch for in San Diego.

Rapids fans will get to see him twice as an opponent next year. Burgundy Wave looks forward to continuing the series of interviews with former Pids returning to DSGP for the first time. Hopefully he gets more playing time for the first year club.

On the plus side, this opens up some space in midfield. Colorado was going to go after a proper starting defensive midfielder in January anyways. Wayne Frederick could step up and be a super sub in 2025. Then of course there’s the potential to sign Cole Bassett’s younger brother Sam Bassett and him having a path to playing time as a rookie.

If nothing else, Löffelsend goes out on the victorious side of the Rocky Mountain Cup.

Photo Credit: John Babiak

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