Colorado Rapids striker Andre Shinyashiki has won Major League Soccer’s Rookie of the Year Award, the league announced Tuesday.
Shinyashiki, selected fifth overall pick by the Rapids in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft, shined in his first professional season. The University of Denver alum scored seven goals, including two game-winners, in 31 appearances this season.
The 22-year-old began his career with a bang, debuting in the Rapids’ 2019 home opener against the Portland Timbers. He scored in the dying moments of a dramatic 3-3 draw in what was the coldest game in MLS history.