Brendan Ploen
@brendanploen.bsky.social
Staff reporter for @burgundywave.bsky.social covering the #Rapids96 and #ColoradoSoccer based in Chicago. Previously: The Denver Post and The Durango Herald. | Marquette University alum |
Pinned
Brendan Ploen
@brendanploen.bsky.social
· Dec 17
Denver on cusp of adding National Women’s Soccer League expansion team, source says
Denver is on the cusp of getting its first professional women’s sports team since the late 1990s.
www.denverpost.com
For Denver. For Colorado.
Denver is on the cusp of getting its first professional women’s sports team since the late 1990s.
The NWSL is in the closing stages of adding Denver as Team 16, a source w/knowledge confirmed to The Denver Post on Tuesday. #ColoradoSoccer
www.denverpost.com/2024/12/17/d...
Denver is on the cusp of getting its first professional women’s sports team since the late 1990s.
The NWSL is in the closing stages of adding Denver as Team 16, a source w/knowledge confirmed to The Denver Post on Tuesday. #ColoradoSoccer
www.denverpost.com/2024/12/17/d...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Some up close details. The blue lettering looks nice. The sleeves look better in person. The black has some texturing. Still a plain shirt with an ironic name. That zip up jacket from Topo Designs IS 🔥
February 12, 2026 at 2:52 AM
Some up close details. The blue lettering looks nice. The sleeves look better in person. The black has some texturing. Still a plain shirt with an ironic name. That zip up jacket from Topo Designs IS 🔥
This is an all-time Sickos Committee-approved kit marketing strategy from Colorado. Thoughts on this, @kickbackcommittee.bsky.social ?
“Colorful Colorado” kit = Black shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
“Black Diamond” kit = White shirt.
February 11, 2026 at 5:18 PM
This is an all-time Sickos Committee-approved kit marketing strategy from Colorado. Thoughts on this, @kickbackcommittee.bsky.social ?
A #ThatsSoRapids moment: Calling it the Colorful Colorado Kit when the primary color is black.
Sickos Committee-level stuff. A throwback to when they debuted the Black Diamond kit and its primary color was white with burgundy trim.
There’s levels to this, right @rapidsjason.bsky.social?
Sickos Committee-level stuff. A throwback to when they debuted the Black Diamond kit and its primary color was white with burgundy trim.
There’s levels to this, right @rapidsjason.bsky.social?
The Colorful Colorado Kit: BW reacts to Colorado Rapids going from Burgundy to black. There's a good initiative behind the shirt, but it's underwhelming.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/11/c...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/11/c...
February 11, 2026 at 4:30 PM
A #ThatsSoRapids moment: Calling it the Colorful Colorado Kit when the primary color is black.
Sickos Committee-level stuff. A throwback to when they debuted the Black Diamond kit and its primary color was white with burgundy trim.
There’s levels to this, right @rapidsjason.bsky.social?
Sickos Committee-level stuff. A throwback to when they debuted the Black Diamond kit and its primary color was white with burgundy trim.
There’s levels to this, right @rapidsjason.bsky.social?
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Haven’t been able to confirm. Miguel Navarro linked with a ‘return’ to Colorado Rapids. He was acquired in the Gutman trade then loaned & bought by Talleres without playing a game for COL. Would be an indictment of Sam Vines if the club brought Navarro back and he started over Vines give the saga.
February 10, 2026 at 4:07 PM
Haven’t been able to confirm. Miguel Navarro linked with a ‘return’ to Colorado Rapids. He was acquired in the Gutman trade then loaned & bought by Talleres without playing a game for COL. Would be an indictment of Sam Vines if the club brought Navarro back and he started over Vines give the saga.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
The Ultimate Denver Soccer Litmus Test: What we’ll learn from Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High, at DSGP, and on the same day three times in 2026.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
February 7, 2026 at 12:56 AM
The Ultimate Denver Soccer Litmus Test: What we’ll learn from Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High, at DSGP, and on the same day three times in 2026.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Some weekend reading for you: @brendanploen.bsky.social nerds out about the 2026 litmus test that will be Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High and DSGP. Couldn't have designed a better controlled study if we tried.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
February 7, 2026 at 1:05 AM
Some weekend reading for you: @brendanploen.bsky.social nerds out about the 2026 litmus test that will be Denver Summit and Colorado Rapids playing at Mile High and DSGP. Couldn't have designed a better controlled study if we tried.
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/06/d...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Colorado Rapids have loaned Homegrown goalkeeper Adam Beaudry to USL Championship side Loudoun United. We break down this opportunity for the young hyped shot stopper:
burgundywave.com/2026/02/05/a...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/05/a...
February 5, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Colorado Rapids have loaned Homegrown goalkeeper Adam Beaudry to USL Championship side Loudoun United. We break down this opportunity for the young hyped shot stopper:
burgundywave.com/2026/02/05/a...
burgundywave.com/2026/02/05/a...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Burgundy Wave can confirm Donovan Phillip’s P-1 petition, paperwork, etc. has been approved. The 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann Trophy winner is cleared to fully train with Colorado Rapids.
February 5, 2026 at 4:32 PM
Burgundy Wave can confirm Donovan Phillip’s P-1 petition, paperwork, etc. has been approved. The 2025 MLS SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann Trophy winner is cleared to fully train with Colorado Rapids.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
again we do not really do a good job of explaining how wealthy people like Jeff Bezos are
his net worth is $253.2 billion.
so he could take one million dollars, and just light it on fire
and then do it again tomorrow
and again the day after that
and then do it every day for 693 years and 8 months
his net worth is $253.2 billion.
so he could take one million dollars, and just light it on fire
and then do it again tomorrow
and again the day after that
and then do it every day for 693 years and 8 months
February 4, 2026 at 5:41 PM
again we do not really do a good job of explaining how wealthy people like Jeff Bezos are
his net worth is $253.2 billion.
so he could take one million dollars, and just light it on fire
and then do it again tomorrow
and again the day after that
and then do it every day for 693 years and 8 months
his net worth is $253.2 billion.
so he could take one million dollars, and just light it on fire
and then do it again tomorrow
and again the day after that
and then do it every day for 693 years and 8 months
An absolutely horrendous decision. Borderline unfathomable.
It's the Washington Post, for crying out loud!
It's the Washington Post, for crying out loud!
WaPo also closing Books section and downsizing International and Metro sections
February 4, 2026 at 3:23 PM
An absolutely horrendous decision. Borderline unfathomable.
It's the Washington Post, for crying out loud!
It's the Washington Post, for crying out loud!
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Crestfallen and f$&@ furious about the closure as we know it of @postsports.bsky.social by an indifferent, compromised owner and a failing publisher — a dept of Povich and Boswell, Wilbon and Kornheiser, Gildea and Sheinin, of poets, authors, Hall of Famers and Pulitzer finalists. A terrible day.
February 4, 2026 at 2:19 PM
Crestfallen and f$&@ furious about the closure as we know it of @postsports.bsky.social by an indifferent, compromised owner and a failing publisher — a dept of Povich and Boswell, Wilbon and Kornheiser, Gildea and Sheinin, of poets, authors, Hall of Famers and Pulitzer finalists. A terrible day.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Burgundy Wave spoke on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social Radio about Cole Bassett's move from the Rapids to the Timbers:
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
February 4, 2026 at 4:43 AM
Burgundy Wave spoke on @stumptownfooty.bsky.social Radio about Cole Bassett's move from the Rapids to the Timbers:
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
stumptown-footy.ghost.io/stumptown-ra...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Inbox: It’s official. Colorado Rapids trade Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers. Cash transfer. $2.65 million up front. $950k in incentives rising to up to $3.6 mill. Sell on percentage. This hurts.
February 2, 2026 at 11:02 PM
Inbox: It’s official. Colorado Rapids trade Homegrown midfielder Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers. Cash transfer. $2.65 million up front. $950k in incentives rising to up to $3.6 mill. Sell on percentage. This hurts.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
“People are scared; we are, too.”
Article: Federal immigration raids in Minnesota has put 'fear' into #MNUFC players; and the situation has curtailed #Loons signings of foreigners this winter. Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra shares his experiences and views.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/29/l...
Article: Federal immigration raids in Minnesota has put 'fear' into #MNUFC players; and the situation has curtailed #Loons signings of foreigners this winter. Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra shares his experiences and views.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/29/l...
Federal immigration raids put ‘fear’ into many Minnesota United players
The Loons also have had foreign players say no to contracts because of the current situation.
www.twincities.com
January 29, 2026 at 6:24 PM
“People are scared; we are, too.”
Article: Federal immigration raids in Minnesota has put 'fear' into #MNUFC players; and the situation has curtailed #Loons signings of foreigners this winter. Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra shares his experiences and views.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/29/l...
Article: Federal immigration raids in Minnesota has put 'fear' into #MNUFC players; and the situation has curtailed #Loons signings of foreigners this winter. Argentine midfielder Joaquin Pereyra shares his experiences and views.
www.twincities.com/2026/01/29/l...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers?!
BW breaks down this shock news, the potential reasoning behind it, the Rapids Math, and where Colorado goes from here.
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
BW breaks down this shock news, the potential reasoning behind it, the Rapids Math, and where Colorado goes from here.
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
January 28, 2026 at 2:46 AM
Cole Bassett to Portland Timbers?!
BW breaks down this shock news, the potential reasoning behind it, the Rapids Math, and where Colorado goes from here.
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
BW breaks down this shock news, the potential reasoning behind it, the Rapids Math, and where Colorado goes from here.
burgundywave.com/2026/01/27/c...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Reminder: The Colorado Rapids home opener is against Portland Timbers on February 28. Your first look at Matt Wells’ team will be the Cole Bassett Revenge Tour.
Can confirm Tom Bogert's reporting. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for Portland Timbers. $2.65 million cash transfer, incentives up to $3.7 million. Sell on clause. Shocked at the valuation. Wonder whether he wanted out. Between this and Sealy, this offseason better work Padraig.
January 28, 2026 at 1:16 AM
Reminder: The Colorado Rapids home opener is against Portland Timbers on February 28. Your first look at Matt Wells’ team will be the Cole Bassett Revenge Tour.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Rapids are set to say goodbye to perhaps the best homegrown they have ever produced. Had a tough season last year.
As @burgundywave.bsky.social pointed out, the Rapids play Portland for their home opener.
As @burgundywave.bsky.social pointed out, the Rapids play Portland for their home opener.
I can confirm Tom Bogert‘s report that the Colorado Rapids are close to sending Cole Bassett to Portland.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
January 28, 2026 at 1:17 AM
Rapids are set to say goodbye to perhaps the best homegrown they have ever produced. Had a tough season last year.
As @burgundywave.bsky.social pointed out, the Rapids play Portland for their home opener.
As @burgundywave.bsky.social pointed out, the Rapids play Portland for their home opener.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
I can confirm Tom Bogert‘s report that the Colorado Rapids are close to sending Cole Bassett to Portland.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
January 28, 2026 at 1:15 AM
I can confirm Tom Bogert‘s report that the Colorado Rapids are close to sending Cole Bassett to Portland.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
The numbers, $2.65 million cashfer with addons to make it $3.7 million, along with a sell-on clause, are accurate.
Just woke up from a fever nap and it’s not a flu delusion.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
I wonder if Cole was pushing for a move again because he thought the team was going nowhere.
Ironically, imho, without him, they’re really going nowhere.
Ironically, imho, without him, they’re really going nowhere.
The best Homegrown in club history & the player who would always speak his mind with where the organization had to grow & keep adding … is gone in a flash.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: The Portland Timbers are finalizing deal to sign American midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids, per sources.
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
January 28, 2026 at 12:56 AM
I wonder if Cole was pushing for a move again because he thought the team was going nowhere.
Ironically, imho, without him, they’re really going nowhere.
Ironically, imho, without him, they’re really going nowhere.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Can confirm Tom Bogert's reporting. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for Portland Timbers. $2.65 million cash transfer, incentives up to $3.7 million. Sell on clause. Shocked at the valuation. Wonder whether he wanted out. Between this and Sealy, this offseason better work Padraig.
January 28, 2026 at 1:01 AM
Can confirm Tom Bogert's reporting. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for Portland Timbers. $2.65 million cash transfer, incentives up to $3.7 million. Sell on clause. Shocked at the valuation. Wonder whether he wanted out. Between this and Sealy, this offseason better work Padraig.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Can confirm. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for their boggy team Portland Timbers.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: The Portland Timbers are finalizing deal to sign American midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids, per sources.
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Portland Timbers finalizing deal to acquire Cole Bassett: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:43 AM
Can confirm. Cole Bassett likely leaving Colorado Rapids for their boggy team Portland Timbers.
Very valid point here.
The Rapids sell their best local talent they’ve ever produced to an intra-conference foe.
Meanwhile, the Sums (good nickname) add the freakin’ captain of the USWNT.
The DSGP Case Study with Summit hosting a few games will even be more important now.
The Rapids sell their best local talent they’ve ever produced to an intra-conference foe.
Meanwhile, the Sums (good nickname) add the freakin’ captain of the USWNT.
The DSGP Case Study with Summit hosting a few games will even be more important now.
60 days until the Sums start
January 28, 2026 at 12:52 AM
Very valid point here.
The Rapids sell their best local talent they’ve ever produced to an intra-conference foe.
Meanwhile, the Sums (good nickname) add the freakin’ captain of the USWNT.
The DSGP Case Study with Summit hosting a few games will even be more important now.
The Rapids sell their best local talent they’ve ever produced to an intra-conference foe.
Meanwhile, the Sums (good nickname) add the freakin’ captain of the USWNT.
The DSGP Case Study with Summit hosting a few games will even be more important now.
The best Homegrown in club history & the player who would always speak his mind with where the organization had to grow & keep adding … is gone in a flash.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
🚨🇺🇸 BREAKING: The Portland Timbers are finalizing deal to sign American midfielder Cole Bassett from the Colorado Rapids, per sources.
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Rapids to receive $2.65m + add-ons to take total potential fee to $3.7m. Club retains sell-on %.
Big addition for Timbers. www.nytimes.com/athletic/700...
Portland Timbers finalizing deal to acquire Cole Bassett: Sources
www.nytimes.com
January 28, 2026 at 12:44 AM
The best Homegrown in club history & the player who would always speak his mind with where the organization had to grow & keep adding … is gone in a flash.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
Cole was the foundational piece for this team. Absolutely shocking.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Inbox: Colorado Rapids sign SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann winner Donavan Phillip to a two season deal through 2027. Three years worth of options, ending 2029-30. Must have made a good first impression in preseason.
January 23, 2026 at 8:12 PM
Inbox: Colorado Rapids sign SuperDraft pick and MAC Hermann winner Donavan Phillip to a two season deal through 2027. Three years worth of options, ending 2029-30. Must have made a good first impression in preseason.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Some personal news: I’ve joined @us.theguardian.com as a soccer correspondent!
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Above all else, it’s the stories that make soccer so intoxicating | Jeff Rueter
I have joined the Guardian today as a soccer correspondent in the United States. This is why I cover the sport
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:58 PM
Some personal news: I’ve joined @us.theguardian.com as a soccer correspondent!
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...
Thrilled to join a newsroom I’ve long admired from afar. Still proudly based in Saint Paul, MN. Still covering the sport from all angles, on-field and off. Truly a dream job: www.theguardian.com/football/202...