Brendan Ploen

Brendan Ploen is a freelance sports reporter for The Denver Post, covering the Colorado Rapids, Colorado soccer news, preps and more. He started writing for the publication in December 2020. He previously covered preps, outdoors and college sports for The Durango Herald from 2018-20, and before that, worked in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel sports department. A Chicago native, he is a Marquette University graduate.

United States' Mallory Swanson, left, reacts with teammate Sophia Smith after scoring her side's third goal during a women's group B match between the United States and Zambia at Nice Stadium at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Thursday, July 25, 2024, in Nice, France. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Denver on cusp of adding National Women’s Soccer League expansion team, source says

December 17, 2024 at 4:37 p.m.

Denver is on the cusp of getting its first professional women’s sports team since the late 1990s.

Portland Thorns FC forward Sophia Smith, left, kicks the ball against Kansas City Current defender Addisyn Merrick, right, during the first half of the NWSL championship soccer match, Saturday, Oct. 29, 2022, in Washington. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

Denver named finalist for National Women’s Soccer League expansion team alongside Cincinnati, Cleveland

November 22, 2024 at 3:03 p.m.

Colorado has been supplying the NWSL with top-end talent for years.

A fan waves a Colorado state flag while cheering for the Colorado Rapids in the first half of an MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC, Saturday, May 14, 2022, in Commerce City, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

The Top 10 Colorado soccer stories of 2023

December 30, 2023 at 4:03 p.m.

What a long, strange trip it's been. Well, it's accurate at least for describing the last 12 months of Colorado's always-eventful soccer scene.

New Colorado Rapids coach Chris Armas, right, speaks at his introductory news conference at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park on Thursday Nov. 30, 2023. Team president Pádraig Smith, listens. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Rapids Notebook: Where things stand for Colorado heading into new year, new era

December 30, 2023 at 10:50 a.m.

Watching the ball drop on New Year's Eve for fans of the Colorado Rapids will give even the most cold-hearted ones something to be relieved about.

Jamaica's coach Lorne Donaldson gestures on the touchline during the Australia and New Zealand 2023 Women's World Cup Group F football match between Jamaica and Brazil at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, also known as AAMI Park, in Melbourne on August 2, 2023. (Photo by WILLIAM WEST / AFP) (Photo by WILLIAM WEST/AFP via Getty Images)

Real Colorado’s Lorne Donaldson named head coach of Chicago Red Stars, reuniting with area players

December 20, 2023 at 4:28 p.m.

One of the most influential youth soccer coaches in the country is leaving the Centennial State for the Windy City.

Colorado Rapids announce 2024 MLS schedule

December 20, 2023 at 2:01 p.m.

Since finishing the worst season in club history in October, Rapids fans have been counting days until they could move on. Wednesday made it real: Major League Soccer unveiled its...

Soccer fans head into Dick's Sporting ...

Colorado Rapids secure three of first five picks in MLS SuperDraft

December 19, 2023 at 9:21 p.m.

The Colorado Rapids selected their players in Tuesday's 2024 Major League Soccer SuperDraft with the mindset that it was a once-in-a-burgundy-and-blue-moon opportunity. After much wheeling and dealing, the draft ended...

Introductory press conference for the Colorado Rapids' new coach, Chris Armas, right, at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park November 30, 2023. Team president Pádraig Smith, listens to Armas. (Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post)

Rapids Notebook: Previewing Colorado’s vital 2024 SuperDraft

December 19, 2023 at 9:47 a.m.

The Colorado Rapids' front office will be looking to put the word 'super' in SuperDraft on Tuesday.

Colorado Rapids defender Steven Beitashour gestures to the crowd after the second half of an MLS soccer match against Los Angeles FC Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Commerce City, Colo. The Rapids won 5-2. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado Rapids great Steven Beitashour announces retirement: “This journey has been nothing short of extraordinary”

December 13, 2023 at 12:28 p.m.

Steven Beitashour went from an obscure SuperDraft selection to one of Major League Soccer's ultimate diamonds in the rough. After shining for 14 seasons, he is ready to call it...

Chicago Fire's Miguel Navarro runs during an MLS soccer match, Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Fort Lauderdale. Fla. (AP Photo/Doug Murray)

Colorado Rapids trade Andrew Gutman to Chicago Fire for left back Miguel Navarro, sources say

December 11, 2023 at 11:10 a.m.

With a trade window and free agency opening this week, the Colorado Rapids wasted no time getting back to business on Monday.

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