Through a series of trades, the Colorado Rapids have acquired Clemson midfielder Philip Mayaka in the 2021 MLS SuperDraft. The 20-year-old from Nairobi, Kenya, was selected third overall in the first round.
He fits in with the Rapids’ overall strategy of signing exciting young players coming from a healthy mix of other teams in the league, homegrown signings, and targeted high-profile draft picks. In 2019, the Rapids traded up to get Andre Shinyashiki, who was named the Rookie of the Year that season. If Mayaka works out the same way, the team looks to be in a great position going forward into the 2021 season.