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
Today is the day. Rapids 2 are one game away from being MLS Next Pro Champions. Learn more about how this team got here and what to expect from their opponent, New York Red Bulls II.
burgundywave.com/2025/11/08/r...
burgundywave.com/2025/11/08/r...
Rapids 2 take on NYRB 2 for a Shot at Silverware - MLS Next Pro Cup Final Preview - Burgundy Wave
While the first team had a disappointing season, the second team has quietly had a very good season. Finishing third and making the Final.
burgundywave.com
November 8, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Today is the day. Rapids 2 are one game away from being MLS Next Pro Champions. Learn more about how this team got here and what to expect from their opponent, New York Red Bulls II.
burgundywave.com/2025/11/08/r...
burgundywave.com/2025/11/08/r...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
BREAKING: Can confirm that Denver Summit will play their first home game Saturday March 28 at noon MT at Mile High, live on CBS!
November 3, 2025 at 6:00 PM
BREAKING: Can confirm that Denver Summit will play their first home game Saturday March 28 at noon MT at Mile High, live on CBS!
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Rapids 2 ties the game! Sam Bassett to Alex Harris and we are back on level terms, 1-1!
www.mlsnextpro.com/video/goal-a...
www.mlsnextpro.com/video/goal-a...
GOAL: Alex Harris, Colorado Rapids 2 - 50th minute | MLSNEXTPro.com
Official MLS NEXT Pro live matches, highlights, video series and features.
www.mlsnextpro.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:51 AM
Rapids 2 ties the game! Sam Bassett to Alex Harris and we are back on level terms, 1-1!
www.mlsnextpro.com/video/goal-a...
www.mlsnextpro.com/video/goal-a...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
So not only does the massive transit package passed last night fill the funding gap, it *boosts* ops funding by roughly the size of the gap, eliminates parking minimums within a half mile of rail stations, and gives the new regional transit board sweeping powers to do public development
Crain’s is good about revenue sources and splits
www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/tra...
I believe the parts not discussed above (parking reform, land development authority, etc.) are largely retained from May
www.chicagobusiness.com/politics/tra...
I believe the parts not discussed above (parking reform, land development authority, etc.) are largely retained from May
Last-minute, $1.5B transit compromise being debated in Springfield
The transit revenue package relies on increasing the transit sales tax in the six-county region and transportation related sources. It also includes a steep tollway hike.
www.chicagobusiness.com
October 31, 2025 at 1:40 PM
So not only does the massive transit package passed last night fill the funding gap, it *boosts* ops funding by roughly the size of the gap, eliminates parking minimums within a half mile of rail stations, and gives the new regional transit board sweeping powers to do public development
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Good morning!
Last night, Illinois’ legislature passed a law, SB2111, which will fund a major expansion of service for the Chicago region’s transit systems, thanks to new revenue sources.
The law also takes a major step forward in coordination between agencies.
Last night, Illinois’ legislature passed a law, SB2111, which will fund a major expansion of service for the Chicago region’s transit systems, thanks to new revenue sources.
The law also takes a major step forward in coordination between agencies.
Statement from the RTA: "The passage of SB2111 is a landmark moment for public transit in Illinois."
Read the full statement here or below. www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/pr...
Read the full statement here or below. www.rtachicago.org/about-rta/pr...
Regional Transportation Authority | RTA Statement on passage of Senate Bill 2111
This bill provides the stable funding and governance reforms needed to protect transit service for the millions who ride CTA, Metra, and Pace—and the…
www.rtachicago.org
October 31, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Good morning!
Last night, Illinois’ legislature passed a law, SB2111, which will fund a major expansion of service for the Chicago region’s transit systems, thanks to new revenue sources.
The law also takes a major step forward in coordination between agencies.
Last night, Illinois’ legislature passed a law, SB2111, which will fund a major expansion of service for the Chicago region’s transit systems, thanks to new revenue sources.
The law also takes a major step forward in coordination between agencies.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
He was all culture and zero tactics unfortunately. Positive vibes don’t score or stop goals.
October 27, 2025 at 6:54 PM
He was all culture and zero tactics unfortunately. Positive vibes don’t score or stop goals.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Full story on Chris Armas and the Colorado Rapids mutually agreeing to part ways after two seasons in Commerce City:
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/27/c...
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/27/c...
Colorado Rapids, Chris Armas mutually part ways as contract expires
The Chris Armas era is over in Commerce City.
www.denverpost.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:32 PM
Full story on Chris Armas and the Colorado Rapids mutually agreeing to part ways after two seasons in Commerce City:
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/27/c...
www.denverpost.com/2025/10/27/c...
WOW. Genuinely did not see that one coming.
He definitely revamped the culture over his two years in CC, but also, it's a results-oriented business. Front office clearly had high hopes to build off of last year.
The way the team folded at the end definitely did not help his case for an extension.
He definitely revamped the culture over his two years in CC, but also, it's a results-oriented business. Front office clearly had high hopes to build off of last year.
The way the team folded at the end definitely did not help his case for an extension.
BREAKING: Colorado Rapids have parted ways with head coach Chris Armas. Sources tell BW the decision was mutual, with a difference in contract length. The club is formally undergoing a search for a new head coach.
burgundywave.com/2025/10/27/c...
burgundywave.com/2025/10/27/c...
October 27, 2025 at 6:39 PM
WOW. Genuinely did not see that one coming.
He definitely revamped the culture over his two years in CC, but also, it's a results-oriented business. Front office clearly had high hopes to build off of last year.
The way the team folded at the end definitely did not help his case for an extension.
He definitely revamped the culture over his two years in CC, but also, it's a results-oriented business. Front office clearly had high hopes to build off of last year.
The way the team folded at the end definitely did not help his case for an extension.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
. @hudsonriverblue.com did a great break down of MLS teams' performance relative to spend. Colorado Rapids were mid table with 2.65 pts/$1 million spent. This was with a payroll of ~$15.5 million (that number's not the full story).
www.hudsonriverblue.com/points-per-m...
www.hudsonriverblue.com/points-per-m...
October 21, 2025 at 9:12 PM
. @hudsonriverblue.com did a great break down of MLS teams' performance relative to spend. Colorado Rapids were mid table with 2.65 pts/$1 million spent. This was with a payroll of ~$15.5 million (that number's not the full story).
www.hudsonriverblue.com/points-per-m...
www.hudsonriverblue.com/points-per-m...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
"We’re going to grow from it either way." Captain Keegan Rosenberry puts 2025 in perspective, writes @mlsfrom5280.bsky.social:
burgundywave.com/2025/10/21/c...
burgundywave.com/2025/10/21/c...
October 21, 2025 at 10:49 PM
"We’re going to grow from it either way." Captain Keegan Rosenberry puts 2025 in perspective, writes @mlsfrom5280.bsky.social:
burgundywave.com/2025/10/21/c...
burgundywave.com/2025/10/21/c...
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
U.S. Soccer Federation announces Mexican Football Federation, Costa Rican Football Federation, and Jamaica Football Federation Official Joint Bid to Host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031. #USWNT
October 20, 2025 at 8:10 PM
U.S. Soccer Federation announces Mexican Football Federation, Costa Rican Football Federation, and Jamaica Football Federation Official Joint Bid to Host FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031. #USWNT
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Update: Chris Armas reached out. We spoke on the phone. He apologized. I accepted his apology. He posted a public apology on the other site.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
October 20, 2025 at 6:40 PM
Update: Chris Armas reached out. We spoke on the phone. He apologized. I accepted his apology. He posted a public apology on the other site.
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness.” - Seneca
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
10. If you liked any of this, support our Patreon. Local MLS coverage is struggling. We made a small profit in 2025! Would love to pay our intern & add staff with Summit starting up. Saturday aside, THE RAPIDS were great to BW this year. Courage. Keep fighting. UTFP!
www.patreon.com/c/BurgundyWave
www.patreon.com/c/BurgundyWave
Get more from Burgundy Wave on Patreon
Independently covering Colorado Rapids of MLS
www.patreon.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
10. If you liked any of this, support our Patreon. Local MLS coverage is struggling. We made a small profit in 2025! Would love to pay our intern & add staff with Summit starting up. Saturday aside, THE RAPIDS were great to BW this year. Courage. Keep fighting. UTFP!
www.patreon.com/c/BurgundyWave
www.patreon.com/c/BurgundyWave
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
8. The reporter becoming the story never ends well. No matter what, we're getting a ~3 month break from each other. That's good for everyone. But also, part of journalism is fact checking. In the spirit of defending our coverage vs that verbal punching down, here's some receipts:
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
8. The reporter becoming the story never ends well. No matter what, we're getting a ~3 month break from each other. That's good for everyone. But also, part of journalism is fact checking. In the spirit of defending our coverage vs that verbal punching down, here's some receipts:
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
3. He is a good human being. We all have bad days. One ugly press conference this & last year don't cancel out 99 good chats. It's been a stressful 2 months. Saturday stunk. His future's uncertain. He took it out on me. So be it. Chris, I forgive you. Unconditionally.
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
3. He is a good human being. We all have bad days. One ugly press conference this & last year don't cancel out 99 good chats. It's been a stressful 2 months. Saturday stunk. His future's uncertain. He took it out on me. So be it. Chris, I forgive you. Unconditionally.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
2. Life and football are about opinions. I have lots of opinions about Chris and the club. He's allowed to have opinions about BW's coverage. Even if he's in the vast minority (Anyone out there agree with his take?). I disagree with his opinion. I do so with respect.
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
2. Life and football are about opinions. I have lots of opinions about Chris and the club. He's allowed to have opinions about BW's coverage. Even if he's in the vast minority (Anyone out there agree with his take?). I disagree with his opinion. I do so with respect.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
1. BW stands by its reporting. We aspire to be constructive critical. We're thoughtful. We educate fans and speak truth to power. We work so hard to be objective, informed, and professional. The question was fair, timely, and was intended to be worded thoughtfully.
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
1. BW stands by its reporting. We aspire to be constructive critical. We're thoughtful. We educate fans and speak truth to power. We work so hard to be objective, informed, and professional. The question was fair, timely, and was intended to be worded thoughtfully.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
🧵 Hi MLS BlueSky. This is @bymattpollard.bsky.social, BW Managing Editor. It's been 24 hours since this exchange with Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas. I've given it some thought. Let's talk about it.
Here’s the video at the start of the question. Decide for yourself if @bymattpollard.bsky.social is in the wrong here:
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
Postgame Press Conference: Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC
YouTube video by Colorado Rapids
www.youtube.com
October 20, 2025 at 5:57 AM
🧵 Hi MLS BlueSky. This is @bymattpollard.bsky.social, BW Managing Editor. It's been 24 hours since this exchange with Colorado Rapids head coach Chris Armas. I've given it some thought. Let's talk about it.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Colorado Rapids 2 won their opening MLS NEXT Pro playoff game. Intensity and treating throw ins as set pieces won the day, Erik Bushey said:
burgundywave.com/2025/10/19/c...
burgundywave.com/2025/10/19/c...
October 19, 2025 at 11:38 PM
Colorado Rapids 2 won their opening MLS NEXT Pro playoff game. Intensity and treating throw ins as set pieces won the day, Erik Bushey said:
burgundywave.com/2025/10/19/c...
burgundywave.com/2025/10/19/c...
This R2 squad is such a fun bunch & easy to root for. They’re also so dangerous on the counterattack as we’ve seen time and time again this season.
Into the Western Conference semifinals for Erik Bushey’s squad.
Into the Western Conference semifinals for Erik Bushey’s squad.
Fulltime! Rapids 2 win 3-2! Second half goals from Harris, Bassett, and O'Neill.
The R2 counter attack gets it done. Whitecaps got a set piece goal in the 91st from O'Neill. A brace for him. R2 ended up needing that third goal. Sam Bassett with the winner. R2 advance! #Rapids96
The R2 counter attack gets it done. Whitecaps got a set piece goal in the 91st from O'Neill. A brace for him. R2 ended up needing that third goal. Sam Bassett with the winner. R2 advance! #Rapids96
October 19, 2025 at 10:53 PM
This R2 squad is such a fun bunch & easy to root for. They’re also so dangerous on the counterattack as we’ve seen time and time again this season.
Into the Western Conference semifinals for Erik Bushey’s squad.
Into the Western Conference semifinals for Erik Bushey’s squad.
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
Halftime from DSGP. 1-1.
García and O'Neill with the goals. Vancouver was on top of it for stretches. Rapids 2 has been good in transition. Would like to see R2 make them more uncomfortable playing out of the back. It's anyone's game. #Rapids96
García and O'Neill with the goals. Vancouver was on top of it for stretches. Rapids 2 has been good in transition. Would like to see R2 make them more uncomfortable playing out of the back. It's anyone's game. #Rapids96
October 19, 2025 at 8:52 PM
Halftime from DSGP. 1-1.
García and O'Neill with the goals. Vancouver was on top of it for stretches. Rapids 2 has been good in transition. Would like to see R2 make them more uncomfortable playing out of the back. It's anyone's game. #Rapids96
García and O'Neill with the goals. Vancouver was on top of it for stretches. Rapids 2 has been good in transition. Would like to see R2 make them more uncomfortable playing out of the back. It's anyone's game. #Rapids96
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
However sorely this campaign ended, it’s still unreal I get to call this work.
This year taught me more than any other and has been stressful, but equally rewarding. The people pictured, and all you who read and listen, make it worth the long days.
Season three ✅
This year taught me more than any other and has been stressful, but equally rewarding. The people pictured, and all you who read and listen, make it worth the long days.
Season three ✅
October 19, 2025 at 3:09 PM
However sorely this campaign ended, it’s still unreal I get to call this work.
This year taught me more than any other and has been stressful, but equally rewarding. The people pictured, and all you who read and listen, make it worth the long days.
Season three ✅
This year taught me more than any other and has been stressful, but equally rewarding. The people pictured, and all you who read and listen, make it worth the long days.
Season three ✅
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
We are grateful for publications like the @burgundywave.bsky.social who tirelessly cover their local clubs. Keep up the great work @bymattpollard.bsky.social !
Here’s the video at the start of the question. Decide for yourself if @bymattpollard.bsky.social is in the wrong here:
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
Postgame Press Conference: Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC
YouTube video by Colorado Rapids
www.youtube.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:25 AM
We are grateful for publications like the @burgundywave.bsky.social who tirelessly cover their local clubs. Keep up the great work @bymattpollard.bsky.social !
Reposted by Brendan Ploen
This is such a whiny, unprofessional response from Chris Armas. Most markets around MLS would kill to have the type of coverage @bymattpollard.bsky.social brings every week, and to go after him like this for an incredibly fair question is embarrassing.
Here’s the video at the start of the question. Decide for yourself if @bymattpollard.bsky.social is in the wrong here:
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
www.youtube.com/live/CGwCbG1...
Postgame Press Conference: Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC
YouTube video by Colorado Rapids
www.youtube.com
October 19, 2025 at 6:53 AM
This is such a whiny, unprofessional response from Chris Armas. Most markets around MLS would kill to have the type of coverage @bymattpollard.bsky.social brings every week, and to go after him like this for an incredibly fair question is embarrassing.