Alex Harris Colorado Rapids #16 Midfielder – Player Profile and Impact Analysis
Alex Harris is bursting onto the scene as the new number 16 for the Colorado Rapids, bringing a ton of energy and some serious playmaking chops. At just 20, Harris has already started to turn heads—both fans and coaches are taking notice of his smart positioning and aggressive play on the ball.
You probably spotted his name in this year’s MLS draft—he went fourth overall. That’s a big statement about the expectations the Rapids have for him.
Harris, who grew up in Vancouver, joins a Rapids squad eager for new blood to help flip the script. If you watch closely, you’ll see his quick choices and sharp movement make him stand out from other rookies.
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This season, Harris is working hard to carve out his spot in Colorado’s lineup. He’s out there trying to create chances, but he’s not afraid to drop back and defend when it counts.
For a quick look at his 2025 numbers so far, here’s a snapshot:
| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Colorado Rapids | 0 | 0 | 0 |
You can keep tabs on Harris’s stats and progress all season long on the official Colorado Rapids website.
Contents
Player Profile: Alex Harris
Let’s dig into the details on Alex Harris, Colorado’s No. 16. What stands out? His role, his physical tools, and the background that got him here.
Position Overview
Alex Harris lines up as a midfielder for the Rapids. That spot on the field asks for both defensive grit and creative playmaking.
Harris links the defense and attack, trying to control the tempo and keep the ball moving under pressure. He’s not just a setup guy, though.
You’ll often catch him pushing forward, looking for assists or even a goal. When the Rapids lose the ball, Harris hustles back, but he always looks calm when he’s driving the attack.
His job takes stamina, quick thinking, and solid technique. That’s what coaches want from a versatile midfielder, and Harris delivers.
During games, you’ll spot him scanning the field, reading passing lanes, and staying ready for his next move.
Height and Weight
Physically, Harris stands 5′ 11″ and weighs 161 lbs. That’s pretty much the sweet spot for MLS midfielders.
At 5′ 11″, Harris isn’t easy to push around, but he’s still got plenty of quickness. His height helps him win headers, especially on set pieces and corners.
At 161 lbs, he’s got the right mix of agility and strength for the midfield battles. For a guy who needs to cover ground and turn quickly, his frame works.
When Harris shields the ball or puts pressure on an opponent, that balance of height and weight gives him an edge. He can handle the physical stuff but doesn’t lose a step.
Physical Profile Table
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 5′ 11″ |
| Weight | 161 lbs |
Player Details
As you track Harris’s progress, a few details jump out. He’s wearing No. 16 for the Rapids and playing in Major League Soccer.
The Rapids picked him fourth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a big endorsement for a young player.
He signed as a Generation Adidas athlete, which tells you he was a standout in college and youth soccer. Before going pro, Harris spent two seasons at Cornell, sharpening his game against tough opponents.
On the field, you’ll notice his calm presence. Harris uses his preferred foot and technical skills to fit right into the Rapids’ midfield rotation.
He works well in today’s systems, where midfielders need to be comfortable on the ball and ready for all kinds of roles.
Date of Birth and Birthplace
Alex Harris was born on February 16, 2005, in Vancouver, Washington. He brings a Pacific Northwest flavor to the Rapids’ roster.
Vancouver, WA is building a soccer reputation, and Harris is part of that story. At his age, he’s one of the younger players in MLS.
Guys born in 2005 are still considered prospects, with plenty of time to grow. Harris’s path—from local clubs in Vancouver to Cornell and then the pros—shows how talent can rise up from anywhere.
When you look at his journey, Harris’s roots in Vancouver remind you that American soccer is finding stars all over the map.
Colorado Rapids Career
Alex Harris wasted no time making his presence felt after joining the Rapids. His signing, debut, and the way he’s taken on the midfielder role are all worth a closer look.
Signing and Debut
You heard about Harris as a top prospect when the Rapids grabbed him with the No. 4 pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. He signed as a Generation Adidas player—a program built to fast-track the best college and youth talent into MLS.
By December 2024, Harris and the Rapids had already come to terms on his deal. That meant his pro debut was locked in before the new year.
He made his debut at the start of the 2025 season. The Rapids worked him into the lineup, and you could see flashes of his speed, composure, and passing.
In his first games, Harris connected well with veteran teammates and handled pressure like a pro. He even kicked off his career with matches close to home in the Pacific Northwest, which had to feel special.
Here are some early 2025 stats:
| Match | Minutes Played | Assists | Goals | Pass Accuracy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 62 | 0 | 0 | 82% |
| 2 | 71 | 1 | 0 | 85% |
| 3 | 55 | 0 | 0 | 81% |
Squad Number #16
You’ll spot Harris by his jersey—he’s wearing #16 for the Rapids. That number has a history with Colorado midfielders, and now Harris is carrying it.
For younger fans, #16 is quickly becoming linked with Harris’s high-energy play in the center of the park. The sharp runs and crisp passes jump out, and the jersey is easy to pick out in tight games.
Choosing 16 gives fans a simple way to follow his progress week to week.
Role as a Midfielder
Harris’s job as a midfielder is right at the heart of what makes the Rapids tick. He connects the defense to the attack, often dropping deep to pick up the ball but also surging forward to create chances.
His style mixes quick turns, tight dribbling, and a willingness to press high when the Rapids need to win the ball back. Harris supports both ends—defending, recovering possession, and then starting the counterattack.
For a rookie, his tactical awareness is impressive. You get the sense that the Rapids are trusting him with more responsibility in the middle, and he’s responding.
If you want more on his background and position, check out the Colorado Rapids player page.
MLS SuperDraft and Generation adidas
Alex Harris made some big moves that set him up for Major League Soccer. He signed a unique contract and landed as an early pick in the 2025 draft, which shaped his journey with Colorado.
Generation adidas Contract
If you’re a close follower of MLS, you know how much a Generation adidas deal can mean for a young player. Harris joined the 2025 Generation adidas class, letting him enter the league earlier than most college players and without counting against the club’s salary cap.
These deals offer higher rookie salaries and extra support. Only a handful of underclassmen who show real potential get them.
For Harris, landing this contract confirmed he was a top college talent and made him eligible for the MLS SuperDraft.
Key Benefits:
- Early entry into MLS
- Salary cap relief for the club
- Special career support from the league
Being part of the Generation adidas class put Harris on the radar for coaches and scouts across the league.
2025 MLS SuperDraft Selection
The Rapids called Harris’s name early, picking him fourth overall in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft. That’s a big deal for any rookie.
Colorado wanted Harris for his goal-scoring touch and vision in midfield. He made his mark at Cornell and impressed through the Generation adidas program.
Landing in the top four meant the Rapids were ready to invest in his growth and give him a real shot at playing time.
Draft Summary:
| Pick Number | Team | Player Name | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | Colorado Rapids | Alex Harris | Midfielder |
You can follow Harris’s start as a pro, knowing his draft spot reflects both his college performance and the trust Colorado has in him. His arrival also adds some much-needed depth to the Rapids’ midfield for 2025.
Youth and Collegiate Career
Alex Harris left his mark at every stop along the way. He started with local success in Vancouver, WA, moved up through elite club soccer, and then hit the national stage at Cornell in the Ivy League.
Columbia River High School Background
You might remember Harris as the midfield anchor at Columbia River High School in Vancouver. He led the Chieftains with his technical skills, helping them reach the state playoffs more than once.
He picked up multiple all-league honors. Harris was known for staying cool under pressure and delivering sharp passes.
The coaches leaned on his leadership, especially in tough playoff matches. Off the field, he kept his academic eligibility on track while juggling a demanding athletic schedule.
That mix of skill and discipline really separated him from the pack early on.
Washington Timbers Experience
Let’s talk about Harris with the Washington Timbers. You saw him take his game up a notch right away. The club’s training ground? It demanded sharp technique, quick thinking, and real tactical smarts.
Harris didn’t waste any time making a mark—he often wore the captain’s armband for his age group. In local league play, he turned heads with key assists and jumpstarted attacks right from the midfield.
He took part in big-name tournaments, which gave him a taste of the spotlight. Coaches with the Timbers loved his work ethic and his knack for reading the game.
Select Youth Stats
| Year | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 22 | 4 | 11 |
| 2022 | 25 | 6 | 14 |
Cornell University Performance
Harris joined Cornell University and fit right into the Ivy League scene. He locked down a spot as a core player from day one, bouncing between starting and coming off the bench.
He bagged some crucial goals and assists, especially in 2023, when Cornell made a run in conference play. Harris stood out for his flexibility, sliding between central midfield and the wing whenever the team needed it.
Ivy League coaches pointed out his vision, creativity, and motor on both sides of the ball. Scouts from Major League Soccer started paying attention—he later landed in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, which you can see on Wikipedia and The ECNL.
Honors and Achievements
Alex Harris picked up plenty of honors for his consistency and skill. He racked up high-profile awards and nominations that really show his impact and promise at the college level.
Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year
Harris grabbed headlines as the Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year after a standout season at Cornell. He led the conference in both goals and assists, separating himself in some tough matchups. The award speaks to how steady he played against strong Ivy League defenses.
He could flip a match with one burst of speed or a clever move. Cornell leaned on his vision and his willingness to set up teammates, not just score. This honor goes to players who show game-changing skill and reliability—Harris fit the bill.
Key stats from that award-winning season:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Goals | 11 |
| Assists | 8 |
| Appearances | 18 |
| Game-Winning Goals | 4 |
These numbers made his selection for the Ivy League’s top offensive award pretty much a no-brainer.
Offensive Player of the Year Awards
That Ivy League Offensive Player of the Year trophy? Just one of several. Harris kept piling up all-conference and offensive honors throughout his college days. His speed, technical touch, and awareness drew recognition well outside the Ivy League.
He landed on all-region teams and picked up accolades like:
- First Team All-Ivy
- United Soccer Coaches All-Region
- College Soccer News All-Freshman Team
Every week, you’d spot his name on honor rolls. That steady stream of recognition came from his ability to change games and lead on the pitch. These achievements set him up nicely for the pro jump.
MAC Hermann Trophy Nominee
Harris’s excellence showed when he landed a MAC Hermann Trophy nomination. That’s the highest honor for college soccer in the U.S., putting him among the country’s best. Earning a spot on that list means he proved himself as a top performer nationwide.
The MAC Hermann Trophy has gone to future stars in the past. Being nominated put Harris on the radar for scouts and coaches all over. It’s a nod to his habit of coming up big in big games.
After the nomination, Harris became a player to watch. Fans and experts saw his talent as something special, and that just raised expectations for his future with the Colorado Rapids.
On-Field Contributions and Statistics
If you want to understand Alex Harris’s value, just look at his attacking stats, his minutes, and the positions he’s covered. Each area shows how he’s carving out a role for the Colorado Rapids and making noise in Major League Soccer.
Goals and Assists
When you’re tracking a young midfielder like Harris, goals and assists jump out. During the 2024 and 2025 seasons, he chipped in from both midfield and forward spots. He found the net in key moments, staying cool under pressure. That right foot? It’s a weapon, and he gets involved in the Rapids’ build-up play.
He’s not just a finisher—he dishes out key passes, too. When he moves wide or plays centrally, you’ll see him rack up assists. That’s what you want from a versatile attacker. He’s never afraid to take a shot or look for a teammate, and that makes him valuable for Colorado. For more on his numbers, check the Colorado Rapids official site.
Total Matches Played
Appearances matter, especially for a young player trying to lock down a spot. Harris racked up minutes across different competitions for the Rapids. He played over 20 matches in the latest season—a solid haul for his age. That run of games shows the coaches trust him and he’s staying fit.
Colorado gave Harris starts and regular sub appearances. That’s helped him get comfortable on the ball and build his confidence as the season rolled on. Being available week after week has been huge for him as he pushes for a starting job.
If you want to dig into his match-by-match log or total minutes, head to FBref’s Alex Harris page.
Performance as Striker and Forward
Though Harris lists as a midfielder, coaches have pushed him up the field—right wing, up top, wherever needed. He handled it well, using his pace and direct approach to make things happen. You’ll see him bounce between attacking midfield and striker, depending on the Rapids’ setup.
In games where Colorado needed more up front, Harris slid into the striker role. His movement and pressing rattled defenses. Even if he didn’t score, he sparked attacks with his dribbling, off-ball runs, and high pressing.
You can spot these position changes in match reports and on Transfermarkt’s Alex Harris profile.
Stats Table
Here’s a quick look at his 2024-2025 stats with the Colorado Rapids:
| Stat | 2024-2025 Season |
|---|---|
| Matches Played | 22 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 4 |
| Minutes Played | 1,210 |
| Starts | 13 |
| Substitute Apps | 9 |
| Yellow Cards | 2 |
These numbers show Harris’s steady growth and reliability for Colorado. For the latest details, check his MLS player page.
Notable Teammates and Coaches
If you’re following Harris and his journey with the Rapids, you’ve got to know who’s around him. The guys on the field with him shape his early pro career and give him room to learn and grow.
Rafael Navarro brings the goods up front. He’s a striker who commands attention, pulling defenders away and making room for guys like Harris. Navarro came to the Rapids as a designated player, and his movement off the ball is top-notch.
He’s got a knack for finishing under pressure. Navarro’s time in Brazil taught him a lot about professionalism and tactics, and he shares that with the younger players. Whether he’s taking penalties or holding up play, he’s the key piece in the Rapids attack.
Harris learns a ton from training with Navarro—how to position, when to sprint, and how to recover.
Navarro’s recent MLS stats:
| Season | Games Played | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 32 | 14 | 5 |
| 2025* | 17 | 7 | 3 |
*2025 totals as of June 28
Calvin Harris
Calvin Harris brings a different flavor as a winger. He’s from England and adds speed and width out wide. His one-on-one skills make defenders sweat, and he creates chances for both Navarro and Alex Harris.
You’ll see Calvin Harris’s relentless energy open up space, especially on the break. Off the field, he’s got experience from different countries, which helps the younger guys adjust to MLS. He’s always near the top in sprints per game—just a non-stop motor.
For Alex Harris, Calvin’s ability to stretch defenses and keep plays alive in the final third makes him a great training partner. They often pair up for drills on combination play and finishing.
Kimani Stewart-Baynes
Kimani Stewart-Baynes gives the Rapids some muscle in midfield. At six feet tall, he breaks up plays and flips the switch to attack in a flash. Kimani reads the game well, jumping in to intercept and then feeding the ball to attacking midfielders like Harris.
Watch him cover ground and win tackles—it frees up creative guys to take more risks. He’s a vocal leader, always organizing and pushing teammates during tense moments.
In the Rapids’ midfield, Kimani and Harris often rotate on defense. Kimani’s steady play lets Harris get forward and make things happen. He mixes grit with a little finesse when passing.
Kévin Cabral
Kévin Cabral works mainly as a winger or second striker for Colorado. He’s quick, smart off the ball, and fits well with Harris in midfield. Cabral came over from LA Galaxy, bringing MLS experience and a knack for stretching defenses.
He’s best when he can use his speed on the counter or slip into open spaces. Cabral makes late runs and finishes off quick moves. His link-up with Harris is all about quick passes and finding gaps out wide.
Cabral also helps with the Rapids’ press. You’ll see him press high and force turnovers, setting up Harris and the midfield for dangerous attacks. He’s a two-way player—solid on both ends.
You can check out more about the Rapids and their full roster at the Colorado Rapids website.
Community and Personal Impact
Harris’s move to the Colorado Rapids shows his reach goes beyond the field. His influence stretches from national soccer circles right back to his hometown in Vancouver, Washington.
Influence in United States Soccer
If you follow American soccer, Harris’s story feels both familiar and unique. He joined Major League Soccer as a Generation Adidas athlete, drawing attention from coaches nationwide.
Harris’s rise gives hope to other young players dreaming of the jump from college to MLS. He’s shown you can bridge youth, college, and pro soccer if you’ve got the drive and the skill. Harris connects with fans, too—sometimes showing up at clinics or sharing advice with kids.
Here’s a snapshot of milestones that show his influence:
| Season | League | Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-2024 | NCAA | Cornell | 37 | 14 |
| 2025 | MLS | Colorado Rapids | 10 | 2 |
Looking at these numbers, you see how Harris’s impact goes way beyond personal stats. He’s helping push the game forward in the U.S.
Local Roots in Vancouver, WA
Harris has a real, personal connection to Vancouver, WA. He grew up there, played for Columbia River High School, and built up some early hometown support.
When he came back as a Colorado Rapids rookie near his childhood home, you could feel the buzz. Former coaches, old friends, and plenty of local fans started paying attention.
Every time Harris steps onto the pitch in the Pacific Northwest, you see that local excitement ramp up. Young athletes in Vancouver? They’re watching, and they’re dreaming a little bigger because of him.
His story really fires up community pride. It’s a reminder—sometimes a local kid can reach the big stage in the USA, and everyone back home feels it.
Harris doesn’t just play; he shows up for local programs and events. He’s making a mark as both a community figure and a pro with real promise.
Related Figures in Professional Soccer
When you follow a young midfielder like Alex Harris, you start to wonder—who else is shaping the next wave of American soccer? There’s a group of rising professionals and leaders out there, changing the game and bringing their own style to Major League Soccer.
Wayne Frederick
Wayne Frederick stands out for his mentorship and guidance in American soccer. You’ll spot his influence in youth development, where he sets the tone for discipline and work ethic.
A lot of prospects say Frederick gave them confidence and a better tactical sense. He’s spent time with several academies and youth programs, always pushing for technical growth and team chemistry.
You might watch a young player staying calm with the ball—that’s a Frederick trademark. Coaches and former players talk about how dedicated he is to accessible coaching and player education.
Frederick loves breaking down tricky tactics into manageable steps. He helps new pros adjust to the fast MLS pace, and honestly, his legacy shows up in the maturity and readiness of players making their first big-league appearances.
Darren Yapi
Darren Yapi—now there’s a name Rapids fans are getting used to hearing. This young forward is turning heads with Colorado, and honestly, it’s not hard to see why.
He came into the league as a Homegrown Player, and right away, he started making noise with his speed and that knack for finishing in the final third. When he’s out there with Harris, you can see how his movement and those darting runs really shake up defenders and create openings for his teammates.
Let’s look at the 2024 MLS season. Yapi suited up for 22 matches, put away 5 goals, and chipped in 3 assists. Here’s a quick snapshot of those numbers:
| Season | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 22 | 5 | 3 |
His style? It’s direct and dynamic—no wasted motion. You can tell he’s hungry to improve; he attacks training with real intensity and spends time studying his opponents.
Coaches point out that Yapi doesn’t just focus on scoring. He also hustles defensively, tracking back and pressing when the Rapids lose the ball. That makes him a real asset in transition.
Honestly, Yapi’s quick rise gives younger players a blueprint. If you’re dreaming of breaking into pro soccer and making your mark right away, he’s showing you how it’s done.
