Cole Bassett Top Ten Moments With Colorado Rapids

Editorial – Cole Bassett’s move to the Portland Timbers is official, bringing an end to one of the most important Homegrown eras in Colorado Rapids history. 

In Burgundy and Blue, Bassett was a mainstay, a key part of the Rapids midfield, and an inspiration to Colorado kids across the state. From leading the Rapids to the regular season Western Conference title in 2021, to joining Feyenoord Rotterdam, and returning to Colorado in 2022, his impact on this organization is undeniable. 

As his time at the club comes to a close, Burgundy Wave ranks our favorite moments of Bassett at the club. 

#10- Bassett/Larraz double pivot debut and Bassett winner

March 9, 2024. The Rapids got their second ever win in Sandy, Utah, first since 2020. A game that featured Bassett and Oli Larraz in the double pivot. Bassett played well, notching the winner in the 70th minute when the ball bounced back towards the top of the box. He controlled the ball, curling it past Beavers to cement a comeback win in the first leg of the Rocky Mountain Cup. 

#9- Inter Miami equalizer, Busquet’s shirt swap

April 6, 2024. The Rapids traveled to South Florida to take on Lionel Messi and Inter Miami. In an exciting affair, the Rapids tied 2-2. Rafael Navarro opened the scoring in the 44th minute, slotting a penalty in the bottom corner. Messi equalized in the 55th minute, and Inter Miami reclaimed the lead in the 60th minute on a Messi assist. In the 87th minute, the Rapids launched a counter attack, Calvin Harris found Bassett in space, and Bassett coolly slotted the ball in the bottom corner, equalizing the game at 2-2. After the match, Bassett swapped shirts with Sergio Busquets.

The Rapids technical box was right next to the press box. The entire Miami press corps could hear the celebrations from the coaches and Front Office when Bassett scored that goal.

#8- Free kick against Houston at home

September 13, 2025. At home against Houston Dynamo, Bassett ignited the game in the 10th minute, scoring a brilliant free kick. Just outside the box, Rafa Santos tapped the ball into Bassett’s path, where he curled the ball into the near corner. Bassett showed his quality, scoring and being a main presence in the midfield. Houston would tie it up at one, only for the Rapids to score the winner in the 95th, winning an important home match in the chase for playoffs. 

#7- 2019 MLS Homegrown game

The 2019 MLS Homegrown game featured a team of MLS Homegrowns against the Chivas under-20s. The MLS Homegrown team triumphed for the first time since 2014 after a 2-2 tie and a 3-0 win in penalties. The match showcased a lot of talent, including Bassett, who had begun his rise. Bassett stood out, notching the game winning penalty and cementing himself as one of the most exciting Homegrowns in the league. Sam Vines also took and scored a penalty.

Read More: Rapids’ Cole Bassett scores shootout winner in MLS Homegrown game

#6- Based press conference at RSL in 2023

September 2, 2023. The Rapids were in the midst of one of their worst seasons. They had suffered defeat to Real Salt Lake 2-0, losing the RMC for the third straight season, and sitting last in the league. Head coach, Robin Fraser was on the hot seat and was fired days later.

Bassett got real with Rapids fans and the club in the post game presser. “I’m genuinely sorry. It means as much to me as it does to you guys (the fans). I hate losing to these guys (RSL). I hate losing in general, but especially with these guys. Even if you are having a poor season, the one thing that can bring the supporters joy is this Cup. I know how much it means to them,” Bassett remarked. The moment was real, emotional and meant a lot to the fanbase. Throughout the 2023 season fans wanted a response, an apology, and Bassett took a step in the right direction. 

#5- USMNT debut and first goal

December 18, 2021. Bassett, age 20, made his U.S. Men’s National Team debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina. A proud moment for Rapids fans and the club. A moment made even more special by his game winning goal. Bassett subbed on in the 78th minute and scored in the 89th minute. Off a save, Bassett found himself in the right place, tapping in the winner on his debut. The win also marked the 17th win for the USMNT in a calendar year, breaking the record. He’s still waiting on his second senior cap.

#4- Feyenoord transfer

January 20, 2022. Cole Bassett made his move to Europe. Joining Eredivisie giant Feyenoord Rotterdam on loan, Bassett’s transfer came at the end of a historic 2021 season. It showed how much he had developed as a player and leader. The Rapids loaned Bassett out for 18 months with an option to buy, while also signing him to a three-year contract extension. The potential transfer would have been a club record, surpassing the Vines transfer to Royal Antwerp.

The move reflected how far Bassett had come as a Rapids Homegrown player and highlighted his immense development. Although Bassett would return in 2022, the loan was a significant moment for Bassett and the Rapids as a club, showing belief in the Rapids developmental vision. It gave the player a chance to mature. It also gave him the chip on his shoulder that’s fueled him as he hopes to succeed in Europe one day.

#3- 2021 Western Conference Regular season champions

2021 was a special year for the Rapids and Bassett. Colorado finished first in the west after a dramatic Decision Day win at home against LAFC. Throughout the season, Bassett had been a key player in Robin Fraser’s team, with five goals and four assists in 32 starts. He led with purpose, determination, and it was clear how far he had come as a player. On Decision Day, the Rapids defeated LAFC 5-2 to clinch the one seed in the west. Bassett scored to make it 4-1 in the 63rd minute, marking one of the strongest seasons Bassett has been a part of. Unfortunately, the Rapids would be knocked out of the MLS playoffs in the western conference semi-final to Portland, but Bassett was a key piece that day and that all season long in what was a special year for the club. That year saw Bassett finish 10th in the MLS 22 Under 22, making the list for the third straight year. He was 20th in 2019 and 7th in 2020.

#2- “History Boy!” First home start, first goal in 2018

October 28, 2018. Bassett made his first ever home start in front of Colorado fans on Decision Day 2018 against FC Dallas. It was his third start ever and sixth first team appearance. While the Rapids didn’t have the brightest season, Bassett featured well and scored a goal, helping the Rapids to a 2-1 win. The win also ensured the Rapids missed out on ‘winning’ the Wooden Spoon. The debut was a sign of things to come for the Homegrown, marking the beginning of his massive impact for soccer across the state. 

#1- Penalty goal to win the Rocky Mountain Cup

July 20, 2024. In the 2024 home edition of the Rocky Mountain Cup, after suffering a 5-3 defeat away from home, the Rapids needed a big performance at home to reclaim the RMC. The atmosphere was electric, in front of a packed house, the Rapids would go on to win 3-2, reclaiming the RMC. Don’t forget the iconic pre-game South Park tifo, “I didn’t hear no bell,” displayed by supporters’ group Centennial 38. After conceding early, Bassett got the game started, assisting Jonathon Lewis to tie the game at one. In the 38th minute, Sam Vines made it 2-1, and the Rapids led at the break. Bassett had the secondary assist.

A lengthy weather delay would postpone the beginning of the second half. RSL then equalized the match at 2-2 in the 49th minute. In the 87th minute, the moment would come for Homegrown Bassett. Stepping up in the 87th minute, the Littleton, Colorado native pumped the ball into the back of the net from the penalty spot, securing the RMC for his hometown club. 

This match came just days after Bassett got the news that he was cut from the USMNT Olympics roster after previously believing he had made it. With no Djordje Mihailvoić, he stepped up and had three goal contributions in the most important home game of the regular season.

Postgame, he had his best and most mature quote ever, “Be better, not bitter.”

As ‘Goal’ Bassett moves on from his hometown club, his impact was undeniable. He instilled belief in the Rapids system and showed how a kid from Littleton, Colorado can have such a massive impact on the organization and inspire Colorado soccer’s future. 

Read More: Analyzing the Cole Bassett Trade to Portland Timbers

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