Calvin Harris Took off in 2024. In 2025, he Wants to Soar.

Commerce City – Calvin Harris gets on the ball just outside the box. He cuts inside on defender Francisco Calvo. He absolutely cooks him. Harris is confident. For the first time in his professional career, he arrived.

Harris came to Colorado in 2023 after a trade with FC Cincinnati. He struggled for minutes in X years with Cincinnati and sought a trade to get minutes. While 2023 was monumentally disappointing for the club, it was a year of growth for Calvin. He worked towards getting minutes and eventually scored the winning goal against New England Revolution. 

He ran to the bench on Cloud 9 and jumped into the arms of then assistant coach Wolde Harris (no relation). 

“Wolde said before that game that I’m going to score. He called it. I showed my acknowledgement to him. Throughout that year, he’s shown his trust in me. He’s been a great help to me,” the 25-year-old winger told Burgundy Wave.

“The hardship of (2023) has added to the character of the team. We’re all very grateful. The way that we show that is through our hard work.”

In 2024, Harris had his best professional season yet. He recorded 5 goals, 5 assists across all competitions. That included two big goals during the Leagues Cup run. He showed his quality dribbling and taking on defenders in and around the box. He roasted former MLSer Francisco Calvo in that game against Juarez.

“Last year was good. It was the first year that I played consistent minutes in the team. There were different challenges to overcome. It was the best season of my professional career. I feel good.”

So far this year he’s only played 268 minutes this year, including Conca Champions. He has just one goal contribution, the winning goal at San Jose on March 15.

The winger position has been a strange one for the Pids this year. Kévin Cabral was a regular starter and has underwhelmed. He is where possession goes to die. He has yet to get a goal contribution. He’s been dropped recently with Ted Ku-DiPietro getting a run of starts. This came after Omir Fernandez was unexpectedly traded. Some fans have been clamoring for Kimani Stewart-Baynes to get first team minutes since he has 4 goals in 9 appearances for Rapids 2.

“The competition is not malicious. We’re all really good friends. But at the day, everyone wants to be on the pitch.”

Harris has improved in all aspects since coming to Colorado a little over two years ago. His positivity and technical quality on the ball differentiate him. He’s gotten better in transition. Pressing is very important to Armas’ game model. That’s something Cabral and Fernandez had on him.

“With my hard work on the training pitch, I’ve been seen to be a help to the team. My pressing ability, getting in behind. The main thing for me has been the trust shown in me. Connection as well, with the teammates. It’s all been very cohesive and led to me having a bit more success.”

Armas has been experimenting with formations and personnel. Harris, KSB, and KDP will all get their chances. If Calvin Harris can do what he did last year, he’ll make an impact.

Photo Credit: Mark Shaiken

Thank you for reading Burgundy Wave. Support us via our Patreon starting at $5/month. We’re always looking for new talent. Let us know if you’re interested in covering Colorado Soccer.