Rapids rookie Andre Shinyashiki charged toward a defender during practice on Wednesday afternoon. The defender attempted to swipe the ball but failed, as Shinyashiki maintained the offensive possession.



“See, that is something none of the other forwards really have,” said Jordan Angeli, a former pro soccer player who works for the Rapids as an in-game host and broadcaster, as she watched from the sideline. “Andre puts a different kind of pressure on defenders than what the Rapids are used to.”



Since being selected with the No. 5 pick in the 2019 MLS Draft, Shinyashiki has made an immediate impact on the Rapids, cementing himself in the starting 11 and scoring seven goals in his 29 games.



The 22-year-old became the first rookie since 2016 to be named MLS player of the week, and he’s a front-runner for the league’s rookie of the year.



“It means a lot,” Shinyashiki said. “Recognition is great, but...