Rapids decline veteran defender Lalas Abubakar’s option, signaling time in Colorado may be done

Colorado Rapids veteran and fan favorite defender Lalas Abubakar’s time wearing burgundy and blue appears to be over.

The club announced decisions on 10 players’ contracts on Wednesday ahead of what could be a pivotal offseason for the franchise. Keeping with the theme of turning over new leaves, the Rapids declined the Ghanaian center back’s option for the 2025 season and will search for stronger talent to slot into his place.

Rapids veteran and captain Keegan Rosenberry highlighted the list of returnees for the 2025 season, while other contributing defenders Michael Edwards and Sebastian Anderson had their 2025 options declined.

Here’s a look at whose contracts were up and which direction the club is taking:

Options picked up

Keegan Rosenberry: The Rapids’ captain and oldest player was as much a no-brainer as any for the club to bring back. His contract included an option for the 2025 season, which the Rapids will pick up, but the club’s commitment to the 30-year-old may warrant discussions for an extension.

Calvin Harris: The English winger’s jump in 2024, to the tune of career highs in goals (4) and assists (3), earned him a chance to compete for a coveted starting-winger spot in 2025. The Rapids’ front office has loved his athleticism and personality since arriving in 2023. He played in all but two regular-season matches this season.

Oliver Larraz: Nobody played their way into a spot in the rotation quite like Larraz. Just 14 months ago, he was named a finalist for the 2023 MLS NEXT Pro MVP. Then he took the Rapids’ midfield by storm in 2024, causing coach Chris Armas a selection headache when he replaced an injured Connor Ronan to start the year. In MLS play, he played in all 36 matches, earned 27 starts and scored the Rapids’ only playoff goal — a stunner from 24 yards out.

Nate Jones: The fifth pick in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft, the Rapids picked up Jones’ rights from Austin FC after draft night and signed him to a one-year deal with three consecutive one-year options. Though he didn’t appear for the first team this season, the club is enamored with the left-footed center-back’s 6-foot-3 frame. He’ll have at least another year to earn a spot in the rotation.

Options declined, will not return to club

Rémi Cabral: The Rapids declined the 2025 option for Rémi Cabral, twin brother of Rapids star Kévin Cabral. He started the 2024 USL Championship season on fire during his loan with Phoenix Rising, but his minutes dwindled while turmoil consumed the club. Though he only appeared in 23 of Rising’s 34 regular-season games, he led the team in scoring with seven goals.

Ethan Bandré: At the ripe age of 25, Bandré earned his stripes for performances with Rapids 2 and was rewarded with a first-team contract back in April. He had options for 2025 and 2026, but they’ve been declined by the club. He did not appear in an MLS match.

Options declined, in discussions with club

Jonathan Lewis: The former USMNT winger’s contract was up after the 2024 season, meaning he’s now a free agent. His experience and tenure with the Rapids, including a top-10 scoring tally in club history (26 goals in 143 matches), are garnering conversations for a return in 2025. But tight competition at the winger position — not to mention the club’s aspiration to upgrade the talent there this winter — may lead to the 27-year-old’s departure.

Lalas Abubakar: One of the longest-tenured Rapids had his 2025 option declined by the club. His $665,000 base salary in 2024 is a bit of an overpay, which likely contributed to the decision to decline his option, but he could stay in Colorado if he took a pay cut. Another team could also pick up the option year or sign him to a new contract.

There’s a good chance the center back position could be overhauled this offseason after Moïse Bombito’s record transfer this summer highlighted a massive hole in Armas’ system. The Rapids gave up 60 goals this season and another nine in two playoff games, which simply is not good enough for the club’s aspirations.

Sebastian Anderson: The Homegrown right back’s 2025 option was declined after playing more matches and minutes than in any of his other five seasons with Colorado. Anderson was one of many quality outside backs on the Rapids fighting for minutes but has been low on the depth chart. The club is currently in discussions with Anderson, but if he wants to have more time on the field, it may be time to move on.

Michael Edwards: Another Homegrown defender, Edwards’ 2025 option was declined. After grinding his way to earning minutes over the past four years, he finally debuted for the Rapids in 2024, earning two starts and even opening his scoring account on a wonderful backheel against Sporting Kansas City in September.

Still awaiting decision

Miguel Navarro: Not long after acquiring Navarro in a trade with the Chicago Fire last December, the Rapids penned the return of Homegrown star defender Sam Vines from Royal Antwerp, forcing the club to send Navarro on a year-long loan in January — with an option to buy — to the Argentine Primera División to play with Talleres. There, he’s started all but two matches while also playing a big role internationally for Venezuela during Copa América and now in World Cup Qualifiers.

Since the deadline for roster decisions was Wednesday, if Talleres opts not to trigger its option to purchase Navarro before the loan ends, the Rapids would assume the 2025 option on his current contract and he would make his Colorado debut next year.

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