Sometimes a young player will receive his or her first opportunity on a big stage, a massive tournament that serves as both a chance for glory and a scouting platform for a future move. However, there can be stumbles or setbacks with a failure to perform to the highest of levels or stand out from the crowd despite initial promise and talent.
Darren Yapi was considered a potential breakout star at the 2023 U-20 World Cup but failed to distinguish himself or take advantage of the opportunities during the run to the quarterfinal round. However, the 19-year-old Colorado Rapids forward has rebounded and put together several strong performances over the past few months.
Born in Denver, Yapi joined the Colorado Rapids academy in 2016 at the U-12 level and rose quickly, playing up an age group and scoring 64 goals in 95 appearances, described as a “man among boys” who was a “bully in the Development Academy.” The club named him Academy Player of the Year, calling him up to train with the first team.
In July of 2020, the then-15-year-old moved to the Colorado Springs Switchbacks on loan and made one appearance in the USL Championship. Coaches praised him for making a “seamless transition into training” and “improving every day,” looking “comfortable in the professional environment.”
The following year, the Rapids signed the then-16-year-old to a five-season Homegrown contract with an additional option year. “Darren’s ability and quality has been evident throughout his time in our academy,” said club executive Pádraig Smith. “He’s worked hard to earn his first pro contract and is just starting to scratch the surface of his potential. He possesses all the necessary qualities to reach the very top of the game and we’re excited to see Darren’s continued growth at the club.”
After being included on the match-day squad with the Rapids, Yapi returned to the Switchbacks. He made 16 appearances and scored two goals, finding the back of the net against Austin Bold and Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. Following the conclusion of the schedule, the forward traveled to Europe to train with the Arsenal reserves and Club Brugge.
The next season, Yapi split time between the Rapids and the club’s newly-established reserve side in MLS Next Pro, described by management as “one of the most exciting 17-year-olds in the entire country.” He featured in 11 first-team matches while impressing at the lower level with six goals in 16 appearances. His hard work in training earned him more minutes as the club made an effort to give an opportunity to younger players.
Last year, expectations were high as Yapi was firmly established in the first team and named as one of the top prospects in MLS by Top Drawer Soccer. He made 22 league and cup appearances and registered the game-winning assist in a 1-0 victory over Sporting Kansas City.
While competing with two veterans, the young attacker has passed the nebulous eye test of “fitting in” and was named the Rapids’ Young Player of the Year while still waiting for his debut senior goal. “I feel like it’s going really well,” Yapi told the club’s official website. “There [are] obviously good moments, but there’s also the bad moments, and I just want to learn as much as possible and take that and move on to the next game… I’ve [come] very close [to scoring]. [I’m] starting to lose a bit of patience, but not really. I have guys telling me to stay patient, it’s coming, and I have a sense of that… There [are] fantastic defenders, big defenders, and I just have to learn to adjust and learn to play with strong, fast guys. I have to try to be smarter. I’m fast and big myself, but there [are] some that can be faster and stronger, so I just have to play smarter.”
This season, Yapi has been utilized as a rotational starter, picking up 36 total appearances and playing a key role to qualify for the MLS Cup Playoffs. His first senior finish came in a 4-1 victory over St. Louis CITY FC, with the attacker registering three goals and three assists thus far. The teenager has stepped up in big moments, notching match-winners against Deportivo Toluca and FC Dallas as teammates praised his mentality and willingness to push through tough moments.
At the international level, Yapi is eligible for Côte d’Ivoire and has received sporadic call-ups for the United States, appearing at the UEFA Development Tournament in February of 2020. In March of last year, he began featuring with the U-20 team and played in three European friendlies. There was little surprise when then-head coach Mikey Varas named him to the roster for the U-20 World Cup, one of the youngest members of the squad.
His performance during the run to the quarterfinal round included three group stage appearances but zero goals or assists, earning praise for his hold-up play but receiving criticism for some bad touches. The pacey six-foot-one Yapi is described as a “prototypical #9 that can connect play, protect the ball in hold up play, and be a dangerous target in the box,” also capable of lining up as a wide forward.
There has been a focus to improve on his technique, stamina, and intensity, helping him to deal with the “speed and constant running” at the MLS level. “Darren has a great combination of size and short area quickness that is ideal for the number 9 position and he is very comfortable with the ball at his feet, a trait that is fairly uncommon with young strikers,” wrote Marcus Chairez for Chasing a Cup.
“His ball control ability stands out the most to me in his combination and hold up play. He provides a strong target and is comfortable dropping deep into the midfield to help build up play and spring attacks… I would like to see Darren more consistently offer dynamic runs in the box. In general, I’d like to see him assert his presence in the box more and create more chances for himself and others.”
Despite being several years into his professional career, Yapi is still a teenager for another month and has a lot of room left to develop. He is beginning to show signs of reaching his potential and enjoying a strong conclusion to the MLS season, which should build to a breakthrough in 2025 with an improved Colorado Rapids side. His best days appear to be ahead of him and could be occurring in the very near future with increased production for his club and eventually the USMNT.
