Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today the signing of 18-year-old defender Sam Vines to a three-year contract. In doing so, the Colorado Springs native becomes the sixth development academy player to sign a first team contract with the Rapids.

“This is a special signing for us,” said Rapids Executive Vice President & General Manager, Pádraig Smith. “Not only is Sam a very talented young player with a bright future, but having come up through our academy system we know firsthand how much effort both he and his family have put in to getting to this point. We look forward to helping him reach his potential.”

Vines joined the club in 2013 as a 13-year-old. A versatile, intelligent defender, his performances for the Rapids academy have also earned him call-ups to the U-14, U-15, U-16, U-18 and U-20 United States Youth National Teams. Following a standout year in 2017, he was selected to the National Development Academy Best XI as one of the top young players in the country. TRANSACTION: Colorado Rapids – February 23, 2018 – Rapids sign defender Sam Vines to a three-year contract. Vines will be added to the Rapids supplemental roster as a Homegrown player.

Full Name: Sam Vines

Age: 18

Position: Defender

Height: 5’10”

Weight: 150

Birth Date: May 31, 1999