Commerce City, Colo. – Burgundy Wave in conjunction with the Colorado Rapids independent media present the eigth annual Independent Colorado Rapids Press Corps Awards. As the independent media covering this team, we take seriously the opportunity to cover the 2025 Colorado Rapids season and objectively cover the club. This article is a reflection of that. Previously, the awards were published at Last Word on Sports.
Contributors to Burgundy Wave, The Denver Post, Commerce City Radio, Holding The High Line, Footy at 5280, Team NBS Media, Fuera Del Aire, Rapids Rant, and Pidcast were invited to participate.
Player of the Year
The most outstanding player for the club in 2025. The Marcelo Balboa Award.
Winner: Rafael Navarro
Newcomer of the Year
The most outstanding player who was in their first year with the club ever. Nominees for Player of the Year are eligible. The Jermaine Jones Award.
Winner: Nico Hansen
Runner up: Rafael Santos
Young Player of the Year
The most outstanding player aged 23 or younger as of January 1, 2025, based on both first team and Rapids 2 performances. The Cole Bassett Award.
Winner: Darren Yapi
Underrated Player of the Year
The most undervalued/under-appreciated player. The Micheal Azira Award.
Winner: Calvin Harris
Colorado Rapids 2 Player of the Year
The most outstanding Rapids 2 player, based on R2 appearances only. Players on first team contracts that are loaned to R2 are eligible. The Yosuke Hanya Award.
Winner: Billo Diop
Runner up: Sydney Wathuta
Best Game of the Year
The most impressive result or performance, all competitions. The Club America 8-9 Award.
Winner: April 12, 2025. A 3-2 home win over San Diego FC. It was San Diego’s first regular season loss in MLS.
Runner up: July 16, 2025. A 3-3 draw at Seattle Sounders. It was the first game where Seattle took a three goal lead and did not win in their MLS history.
Worst Game of the Year
The least impressive or most disappointing result or performance of the year, all competitions. The 6-0 RSL Award.
Winner: August 23, 2025. 3-0 loss at LA Galaxy.
Runner up: August 30, 2025. 4-2 loss at Sporting KC.
Goal of the Year
The most significant, outstanding, or memorable goal of the season. Penalties are eligible. The Shkëlzen Gashi Award.
Winner: September 13, 2025. Cole Bassett’s free kick around the wall, assisted by Rafa Santos. Colorado defeated Houston Dynamo 2-1.
Story of the Year
The most significant/memorable narrative around the club.
Winner: Djordje Mihailović forcing a trade to Toronto FC.
Press Conference Cliché Award
The most memorable cliché or repeated saying from any Rapids player, coach, or front office member for this year specifically. The Master of the Basics Award.
Winner: “Goals change games.” – Chris Armas
Quote of the Year
The quote that stands out the most from any Rapids player, coach, or front office member. The UTFP Award.
Winner. That Chris Armas’ press conference. You know which one. We’re good now.
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Spencer Baldwin 
Eamon Shaw 