TRANSFER TRACKER STATUS: Extension
The Colorado Rapids have signed defender Sam Vines and forward Diego Rubio to contract extensions, the club announced Friday. Vines' deal runs through 2025, Rubio's through 2023.
Vines, 21, signed a homegrown contract ahead of the 2018 season and earned the starting left back job in 2019, making 45 career appearances thus far. His form with Colorado has earned him call-ups to the US men's national team, resulting in three appearances under head coach Gregg Berhalter.
“We’re delighted to extend Sam’s future in Burgundy,” EVP & general manager Padraig Smith said in a club statement. “In two short years, Sam has grown from being a promising homegrown player to becoming one of the best left backs in the league and a member of the national team. He’s got a bright future ahead of him and we look forward to seeing his continued development with the club.”
Rubio, 27, was acquired by the Rapids in a trade with Sporting KC ahead of 2019. In two seasons with Colorado, Rubio has 14 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances.
"Diego is exactly what you look for in a modern-day attacker,” Smith said. “His tireless work ethic, unselfish play and ability to combine, create and finish make Diego a vital piece of our team. He has been a key factor behind the Rapids turning into the fourth-highest scoring team in the league over the past two seasons, so we’re naturally delighted that he has committed his future to the club.”
Vines played every minute of the club's 18 regular-season games during the 2020 season. The defender is a product of the club's academy, alongside Cole Basset and plenty others in the first team. Vines has one goal and three assists throughout his MLS career.
Rubio has a total of 29 goals and 17 assists in 90 career MLS appearances (60 starts). He has made nine appearances with the Chilean national team.
