Oliver Larraz Colorado Rapids #8 Midfielder Performance Analysis and Career Overview

Hey, Rapids fans and MLS followers—if you’ve paid attention lately, you’ve probably seen Oliver Larraz making his mark in midfield, rocking that number 8 jersey. Here’s a 23-year-old who’s climbed up from Denver’s local youth soccer scene to become a regular with the Rapids.

Larraz’s story? It’s all about steady progress, homegrown talent, and a growing influence in a league that’s hungry for player development. Gotta love that.

Watch Larraz on the field and you’ll notice more than just his relentless work rate. He’s got skill, vision, and a great feel for the game. There’s something about a local guy making it big—fans really connect with him, especially since he grew up right here before signing with the Rapids. You can feel the local pride every time he steps on the pitch.

Want to dig into what makes Larraz stand out, how his stats stack up this season, and what career highlights put him on the MLS map? You’re in the right spot.

Profile of Oliver Larraz

Larraz lines up in midfield for the Colorado Rapids, wearing #8. You’ll spot him for his hard work, steady play, and the way he’s come up through the American soccer system.

That’s the foundation of his background and what he brings to the Rapids every match.

Date of Birth

Oliver Larraz entered the world on September 16, 2001. So, as of June 2025, he’s 23 years old.

He’s still got plenty of room to grow and develop. That’s pretty exciting for the Rapids’ future.

Larraz grew up in the U.S., working his way through local academies before signing as a homegrown player with Colorado. At this age, he’s right in that sweet spot—young, energetic, and building on solid experience.

He started with the Rapids Academy way back in 2014. He even spent some time with MSV Duisburg’s U-19s in Germany. The Rapids made it official on March 3, 2021, signing him as a pro.

Here’s a quick look at his career timeline:

Key Year	Event
2001	Born
2014	Joined Rapids Academy
2019	Featured for MSV Duisburg U-19s
2021	Signed with Colorado Rapids

Height

At 5 feet 10 inches, Larraz stands at a height that’s pretty ideal for a midfielder. He’s got enough reach for those physical battles and enough agility to zip through tight spaces.

He doesn’t tower over everyone, but he holds his own in duels. You’ll see him using that frame on both sides of the ball.

His size fits MLS midfield demands—balanced, mobile, and tough enough to mix it up.

Nationality

Larraz represents the U.S. on the soccer field, both by birth and by the way he’s developed. Denver is home, and that’s where he kicked off his soccer journey.

That local connection means a lot to Rapids fans. He’s not just another player; he’s one of their own.

Being a homegrown American midfielder, he shows exactly what youth academies in the U.S. can do. You’re seeing more and more local guys like him make it to the big stage.

For more details, check out his official Rapids profile and key stats.

Position and Role in Midfield

Larraz takes on the central midfielder role for the Rapids. You’ll usually catch him in the thick of the action, connecting defense and attack with his movement and passing.

Primary Position

He’s a central midfielder by trade, right at the heart of the Rapids’ setup. That number 8 jersey? Classic for a guy who covers ground and helps both ends of the field.

With Colorado, Larraz often plays in a double pivot or as a box-to-box engine. He’s expected to tackle, intercept, and make those late runs forward.

He’s not just there to win the ball—he helps keep possession and sparks attacks from deep.

Here are some of his key stats from the 2024 season:

Stat	Value
Matches Played	24
Pass Completion %	86
Tackles Per Game	2.3
Key Passes Per Game	0.9

Central midfielders like Larraz have to be reliable, both in defense and when setting up plays.

Playing Style

Larraz brings a ton of energy and focus. He covers ground, presses hard, and doesn’t shy away from a challenge.

He’s not just a ball-winner—he’ll carry the ball forward and look for those key passes in transition. Larraz keeps it simple, rarely forcing the issue or making risky moves.

He adapts to tactical tweaks and links up well with both defenders and more attacking midfielders. His discipline and work rate really stand out—two things any coach wants in a young midfielder.

If you’re watching for the next Rapids midfield mainstay, keep your eye on him. You can see more at Colorado Rapids.

Colorado Rapids Career

Larraz has grown into his spot with the Rapids, making steady progress and grabbing some memorable moments at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

First-Team Appearances

Since joining the Rapids, Larraz has made key appearances for the first team. He’s a homegrown player, a product of the Rapids’ youth system.

He’s mainly played as a central midfielder, fitting into different setups when needed.

You’ll spot him on the Rapids’ roster, sometimes starting, sometimes coming off the bench to inject energy late in matches. The coaches trust him and keep giving him more responsibility.

Here’s a snapshot of his first-team stats:

Season	Competition	Appearances	Starts	Minutes Played
2021	MLS	4	0	21
2022	MLS NEXT Pro	Various	N/A	N/A
2023	MLS/Other	Varied	N/A	N/A

MLS Debut

Larraz made his MLS debut in 2021. That first run came during a 3-0 win over Houston Dynamo FC at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park.

Fans got to watch a Denver kid take the field for his hometown team. It’s a big deal for the club and for local supporters.

He became the 13th Rapids Academy player to sign a homegrown deal. His step up to the MLS spotlight brought a buzz to Colorado soccer and gave hope to other local prospects.

Goals and Assists

So far, Larraz hasn’t put up goals or assists in the league, but his value runs deeper. He links play, keeps the ball moving, and creates space for his teammates.

He’s played more of a supporting role in the Rapids’ attack. Even though the official stats show zero goals or assists, he’s made an impression elsewhere—like being named MLS NEXT Pro Player of Matchday 17.

Fans and coaches are watching for that breakthrough goal or assist. With every appearance, he gets closer to making that happen.

Homegrown and Academy Development

Larraz’s rise is a textbook example of the Rapids Academy pipeline working as intended. It shows how the club invests in local talent and gives real chances to its own.

Rapids Academy Progression

You can trace Larraz’s path back to his days in the Rapids Academy. He joined young and quickly stood out for his touch and awareness.

Coaches loved his composure and his willingness to grind defensively. He worked his way up through the ranks, facing tough opponents, and starting in regional and national showcases.

The Rapids put a big focus on academy training, so Larraz spent a lot of time in small group sessions, sharpening his passing and decision-making under pressure.

By the time he hit the U19s, he was a leader, sometimes even wearing the armband. His ability to switch play and link midfield lines made him a key player before he got the call-up to the first team.

Signing Homegrown Contract

The Rapids saw Larraz’s progress and signed him to a homegrown contract in 2021, when he was just 19. He became the thirteenth academy player to make the jump, and the ninth since 2017.

His contract was a two-year deal with a club option for two more years. That’s a solid commitment from the club.

MLS rules let teams sign academy players directly, skipping the draft, and the Rapids took full advantage. You can see the official announcement here.

The club keeps highlighting his journey as proof that the academy pathway works. Larraz is now an example for every kid in the Rapids system dreaming of the first team.

Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro

After signing his homegrown contract, Larraz jumped right into action with Colorado Rapids 2 in MLS NEXT Pro. That league really bridges the gap between the academy and the senior squad, and you could feel Larraz’s influence from the get-go.

He led the midfield, driving Rapids 2 to stay competitive in the league’s early stages. Watching him, you saw a player who wasn’t just filling minutes—he was dictating play.

Stat-wise, Larraz popped off the page as both a creator and a ball-winner. In the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro season, the league named him to the MLS NEXT Pro Best XI, which is no small feat.

That honor put him among the league’s best. His time with Rapids 2 really sharpened his edge for MLS action.

Season	Games	Goals	Assists	Minutes	Best XI
2023	22	4	7	1850	Yes

Performances like these show just how crucial Rapids 2 and MLS NEXT Pro have become for homegrown players aiming for the first team. Larraz is building his career season by season, and you see the steady climb.

Notable Teams and Matches

Oliver Larraz’s career is a classic tale of steady club progress and seizing chances on loan. He’s logged minutes in top American and European youth systems, with some memorable matches at home and abroad.

San Diego Loyal and USL Championship Experience

You know the difference when a guy gets first-team minutes away from his home club. Larraz took a loan to San Diego Loyal in the USL Championship, making 12 appearances and starting 9 of them.

He racked up 736 minutes—a valuable stretch for a young player. That’s the kind of experience you just can’t simulate in training.

He netted his first professional goal in a 3-1 win over Sacramento Republic FC. That performance earned him a spot on the USL Championship Team of the Week in Week 19.

Larraz’s stint in San Diego gave him high-level match experience and pushed his game to another level.

Here’s a quick look at his San Diego stats:

Competition	Apps	Starts	Minutes	Goals	Team of the Week
USL Championship	12	9	736	1	1

That loan spell stands out as a turning point for Larraz, showing he could handle the jump.

Duisburg U-19s and MSV Duisburg

Larraz’s journey also took him to Germany with the Duisburg U-19s at MSV Duisburg. That was a big step in his youth career, putting him up against some of Europe’s best young talent.

He spent 2019 in the German youth system, facing tough academy teams and learning the hard way. Training and matches there challenged his technique and tactical smarts.

Germany forced him to adapt, work harder, and get out of his comfort zone. He came back to Colorado with sharper instincts and a broader view of the game.

That international stint really sets Larraz apart from your average MLS prospect. You see an edge in his play that traces right back to those days abroad.

Western Conference Final and Rival Matches

The big MLS stages are where reputations are made, and Larraz has been part of high-pressure moments with the Colorado Rapids. He’s prepared for matches with playoff implications—including the tense Western Conference Final.

Facing rivals is a different beast, especially when you travel to places like Gillette Stadium to take on the New England Revolution.

He might not have racked up big minutes in these playoff games yet, but just being in those squads builds poise and confidence. Training and traveling with the Rapids to venues like Gillette Stadium puts Larraz in the heart of MLS’s wildest atmospheres.

Every appearance—whether it’s from the bench or in training—adds to his readiness for that next breakthrough moment.

Coaches and Key Player Relationships

The people around Oliver Larraz have played a huge role in shaping him as a midfielder. From experienced coaches to driven teammates, these relationships are a big part of his growth.

Chris Armas’ Impact

Looking at 2024, you notice how Chris Armas’s leadership stands out in Larraz’s development. Armas, who’s all about tactics and intensity, set the tone from day one.

Early in the season, Armas guided Larraz on positioning and reading the game. That paid off in more minutes and a clear boost in confidence.

You see Armas’s style in Larraz’s pressing and work rate. He’s learned to communicate better with both the defense and the attack, helping the Rapids stay organized even when the heat is on.

Armas’s focus on discipline and accountability has pushed Larraz to become a more reliable midfielder, whether he’s on the ball or off it.

Influence of Landon Donovan

Landon Donovan played a big part in Larraz’s soccer education before he broke into the first team. Larraz played under Donovan with the San Diego Loyal, and let’s be honest, Donovan’s soccer IQ is legendary.

Donovan taught Larraz how to stay calm in pressure situations and lead by example. He also showed him how to use his technical skills to link defense and attack.

That influence helped Larraz read the game better and deliver key passes. Donovan’s lessons on mental prep and team chemistry still stick with Larraz today. For more on that, check out his background with Donovan.

Teammates: Cole Bassett, Connor Ronan, Djordje Mihailovic

Midfield success often depends on your partners. In the Rapids engine room, guys like Cole Bassett, Connor Ronan, and Djordje Mihailovic have been huge for Larraz.

Bassett brings relentless energy and makes those late runs that give Larraz space to operate. Ronan’s vision and tempo control help orchestrate play with Larraz right there beside him.

Mihailovic adds technical flair and creativity, letting Larraz focus on distribution and defensive duties.

Check out their combined 2024 stats:

Player	Appearances	Goals	Assists	Key Passes per Game
Oliver Larraz	15	2	3	1.1
Cole Bassett	18	4	3	1.4
Connor Ronan	17	1	6	2.2
Djordje Mihailovic	16	3	5	2.0

That mix of experience and skill lifts Larraz’s game and gives him plenty of options in the Rapids’ tactical setup. Playing alongside these guys only speeds up his development.

Injury and Career Setbacks

Injuries can flip a promising career on its head in a heartbeat. Oliver Larraz has faced some real adversity with the Colorado Rapids.

Tibia Fracture

A tibia fracture—now that’s one of the nastier injuries you can get as a pro athlete. Larraz suffered one and it kept him out for a long stretch.

This injury, right in the lower leg, usually means surgery and a tough recovery road.

His absence hit the Rapids hard. Key Facts:

Injury	Date	Games Missed	Treatment
Tibia Fracture	2022	19	Surgery, rehab

Missing that many games can really stall momentum, especially for a young midfielder trying to prove himself. You can track his injury record and updates on Transfermarkt.

Recovery and Return

Recovery from a tibia fracture is no joke, but Larraz attacked rehab with serious dedication. He put in daily therapy sessions and worked closely with trainers to get his strength and mobility back.

You probably noticed his steady progress as he eased back into team practices before finally returning to real matches. The club managed his minutes carefully, slowly ramping up his workload.

His persistence paid off as he got back to match fitness and rejoined the rotation. The Rapids’ coaches and staff supported him every step, focusing on both his body and his mindset.

Consistency and patience made the difference, and Larraz’s comeback is a testament to staying the course.

Contract Status and Roster Details

Oliver Larraz holds a key spot in the Colorado Rapids setup. His contract situation and roster designation play a big role in what he brings to the club.

Supplemental Slots and Roster Role

The Rapids list Larraz in one of their supplemental roster slots—specifically, slots 29 or 30. MLS teams use these spots for younger players and homegrowns, keeping them out of the main salary budget.

Holding Supplemental Slot 29 or 30 lets Larraz stay on a different payroll line from senior players, giving the Rapids depth without using a senior spot. That flexibility is huge during the grind of an MLS season.

With Larraz in these slots, the Rapids keep their homegrown pipeline flowing and show real faith in his growth. You can check his details on the official Rapids player page.

Current Contract Details

Larraz inked a one-year deal with the Rapids, with his latest contract extension signed in November 2024. That agreement runs through December 31, 2025.

This puts him in a good spot for both immediate contributions and future decisions, since the team has options for extensions or negotiations.

At the moment, YMU Group represents him, and he sits on the mid-tier salary line for MLS supplementary players. His market value keeps climbing, which could mean more contract buzz if he keeps performing.

Here are the key contract details:

Contract Term	Start Date	Expiry Date	Roster Slot
1 Year (2025 Season)	November 2024	December 2025	Supplemental 29-30

For more on Larraz’s contract timeline, check Transfermarkt and salary info at Spotrac. For a young midfielder, this setup shows how the Rapids value homegrown talent and manage their roster costs.

Media Coverage and Fan Engagement

Oliver Larraz has attracted local media attention thanks to his steady play and growing role with the Rapids. His journey from academy prospect to first-team regular is a story that fans and analysts keep talking about.

Video Highlights

Alright, let’s jump right in! You’ll spot plenty of video highlights showing Oliver Larraz’s growth on the pitch. Full-match recaps and those snappy short-form clips really capture his big moments—whether he starts or comes off the bench and changes the game.

Larraz fired home his first MLS goal against Sporting KC on July 4th, 2024. That’s a moment worth replaying, and you’ll find it in league highlight packages.

Every week, highlight reels and social media clips from the Colorado Rapids and MLS accounts show off his passing accuracy, midfield control, and those clever off-the-ball runs. These videos break down his tactical awareness and how he links up play, both when defending and attacking.

Key Stats (2024 season so far):

Category	Value
Games Played	26
Starts	19
Minutes Played	1,674
Goals	1
Assists	Varies

You’ll catch more highlight reels and details on the official Rapids player page and through MLS content hubs.

News and Updates

Local outlets and league newswires have followed Larraz’s journey closely. After he signed his homegrown contract and made his debut in 2021, reporters tracked his early minutes and rise from the Rapids Academy to the MLS squad.

By August 2024, Larraz had played in all 26 league matches—a huge leap from his earlier five MLS appearances. Journalists covering the Rapids highlight his changing role, increased minutes, and midfield impact. They often dig into his story through in-depth interviews, like the one on Burgundy Wave, showing his path from youth leagues to regular MLS action.

Photos and Public Profile

You’ll find action shots of Larraz—controlling the ball, making a pass, or celebrating with teammates—on the official Rapids site and in league event galleries. Media day portraits, team photos, and matchday snapshots give fans a real sense of his presence on the field.

Social media really shapes his public profile these days. The Rapids’ channels post pro photos, behind-the-scenes clips, and those candid moments that show off his personality and team chemistry. Fans jump in on the action, commenting and sharing after big games. You can see Larraz’s presence growing in Denver’s soccer scene as local photographers and media chronicle his journey, helping him become a fan favorite.

Tickets and Matchday Information

Let’s talk tickets! Getting seats for a Colorado Rapids match at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park isn’t too tough, but you’ll want to know where to look. You can buy straight from the club or check out trusted resellers for last-minute or premium spots.

Purchasing Tickets for Colorado Rapids Matches

Grab Colorado Rapids tickets right from the team’s official website. That’s the safest bet for locking in your seat, seeing the latest prices, and scoring special deals.

You’ll find all kinds of options—single match tickets, season passes, group deals, and exclusive seating. Prices shift depending on the opponent, your seat, and the type of ticket. Sometimes you’ll snag perks like early stadium entry or discounts with a season pass.

Here’s a quick look at typical ticket categories:

Ticket Type	Features	Price Range
Single Match	Standard seat	$25 – $100
Season Pass	All home games, discounts	$400 – $1200
Premium Club Seats	Best views, amenities	$80 – $250/game
Group Package	10+ people, group rates	Varies

Big games, especially against rivals or late in the season, tend to sell out fast. If you want the best seats, buy early.

Vivid Seats and Ticket Outlets

If you strike out on the official site or want a particular spot, Vivid Seats is a solid backup. This online marketplace lists both primary and resale tickets for Rapids matches.

You can search Vivid Seats by date, section, or price. They show a full map of Dick’s Sporting Goods Park, so you can compare your options before buying. It’s especially handy for last-minute seats or tracking down those premium views for a marquee matchup.

Don’t forget to check for extra fees at checkout. Outlets often tack on charges beyond the ticket’s face value. Stick to recognized sites like Vivid Seats to keep things secure.

Need info on parking, public transit, or special accommodations? The Rapids’ website offers up-to-date matchday guidance so your game day goes off without a hitch.

Community and Local Ties

Oliver Larraz isn’t just a midfielder for the Rapids—he’s a real example of local talent making it big. He’s stayed connected to his roots while making a difference on and off the field.

Denver Roots

Maybe you know Larraz as the Rapids’ number eight, but his story starts right here at home. Born and raised in Denver, he joined the Rapids Youth Soccer Club back in 2009. As a kid, he watched games and practiced on local fields, sharpening his skills where so many young Colorado athletes still play.

Larraz keeps giving back to his hometown. You’ll often spot him at youth soccer events, cheering on the next wave of players. His journey feels familiar to a lot of Denver’s aspiring athletes, shaped by the city’s parks and tight-knit soccer circles.

Here’s a quick look at his early years in Denver:

Year	Activity	Club/Location
2009	Joined Rapids Youth Soccer Club	Denver
2015	Advanced through Academy levels	Colorado Rapids Academy
2021	Signed Homegrown MLS contract	Colorado Rapids

Connection to Colorado

Let’s talk about Oliver Larraz and his Colorado roots—because, wow, they run deep. He didn’t just grow up here; he’s one of those rare players who climbed the entire ladder, from local youth leagues all the way to Major League Soccer with the Rapids.

You see him at youth camps and clinics, shaking hands, chatting with kids, just being present. That’s not something you see every day from a pro, right? Larraz keeps showing up for the local soccer scene, and honestly, it means a lot.

Fans around here? They look at Larraz and see a bit of themselves. He gets what it means to wear that Rapids jersey, the pressure, the pride, the whole deal. You can tell he plays for more than just himself—he’s out there for Colorado.

He’s become a real role model for young athletes all over the state. If you’re a kid dreaming big, his story shows you can make it to the top and still keep your heart in your hometown.

If you want to dive deeper into his journey, check out the Colorado Rapids official site.