Rapids sign Wayne Frederick to extension

Colorado Rapids midfielder Wayne Frederick signed a multiyear contract through the 2029-30 season with a club option for 2030-31, ​the club announced Friday.

Frederick, 22, is enjoying a ‌career season, setting personal bests in goals (two), assists (five), starts (10), appearances (13) and minutes (928). In his third season, the Maryland native scored his first ​Major League Soccer goal on 21 March. Over parts of three seasons, ​Frederick has played in 23 games (12 starts).

"Wayne has ⁠a strong combination of qualities that make him an excellent ​fit for our game model," Rapids president Padraig Smith said. "He ​is an elite athlete with the physical capacity to impact the game in every phase, and his versatility gives us flexibility across the ​midfield. Just as importantly, his mentality and character embody ​the standards we want at this club. We're excited to see him ‌continue ⁠to flourish with the Rapids."

Frederick, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft out of Duke, debuted on 24 April, 2024, and has drawn praise from head ​coach Matt Wells ​for his ⁠overall performance on and off the pitch.

"Wayne has been a great example of a player ​that has fully embraced every aspect of ​the environment ⁠we've created since arriving in January," Wells said. "His mentality and fearlessness caught my eye very early on during preseason. He's ⁠had ​some really strong performances this season, ​but the exciting part for us as a coaching staff is how much ​room for growth we still see in him."