Reggie Cannon continues trend of former National Team players returning to Colorado Rapids

COMMERCE CITY — The Colorado Rapids appear to have a type under first-year coach Chris Armas.

Reggie Cannon is the latest former United States Men’s National Team member who developed in Major League Soccer and challenged himself with a move to Europe before ultimately ending up with the Rapids. Cannon is the team’s fourth such signing since Armas has taken over, joining Sam Vines, Zack Steffen and Djordje Mihailovic.

“There’s no easy way to get into the national team. You don’t fake your way up there. You don’t happen to just get lucky,” Armas said Thursday of the benefits of signing such players.

“The fact that we get a guy like Reggie, the fact that we’ve added guys like Djordje, Zack, Sam Vines, Cole Bassett, who have been in and around that group, it means that we’ve added quality and experience and the consistency and understanding of the high level.”

Cole Bassett followed a similar route but returned to Colorado before Armas was named coach in November. He knows the challenges that await Cannon.

“It is tough a little bit at the start. You feel like when you’re over here at the start (of your career), you always want to go to Europe. That’s all of our dreams as young Americans. A lot of guys on the team have done it now,” Bassett said.

“That’s why we feel like we have a good core here, a good group that all has kind of went through similar experiences. … He’s older than me, so I think he can figure it out quite well, but it does take a little bit of time to adapt. We hope he comes flying right away.”

Cannon, a versatile 26-year-old defender, comes to Colorado after breaking into Major League Soccer with FC Dallas. From there, he moved to Portuguese club Boavista where he made 82 appearances from 2020 to 2023. After claiming the club owed him unpaid wages, Cannon moved to Queens Park Rangers, in the English Football League Championship, in September of last year. He made 21 appearances for QPR as the club finished 18th out of 24 teams last season before he and the team mutually agreed to void the remainder of his contract in late August.

“The thing I’m really excited about is to enjoy my game again,” Cannon said. “It’s been a very difficult period with some of the clubs I’ve been with.”

While the adventure didn’t come with the ending Cannon would’ve hoped for, the Chicago native who played a season of college soccer at UCLA returned stateside with some extra experience. The American soccer system doesn’t feature promotion and relegation where the top teams in lower leagues move up, while the bottom teams from the leagues above drop down.

“It’s definitely a lot different when you’re playing in relegation battles, and it is life or death to go up or down. I think that’s something that I can definitely bring. A lot of the guys here understand. That was the first thing I talked about with Djordje when I came back. To have that hunger and keep that intensity, obviously, look at the season he’s having,” Cannon said.

“It definitely helps translate to your football – soccer. Sorry, I’ve got to get out of that mindset, but I definitely think it helps to bring that new level to everybody’s game when they come back.”

Bounce-back seasons from Cannon's predecessors have the Rapids sitting fourth in the Western Conference ahead of Saturday’s game against a Portland squad that sits eighth. Cannon’s availability might be limited given he’s only trained with the team a couple of times. As much as he’s impressed Armas with his ability to integrate into the team, there’s another step before he’s fully ready.

“Good lord, it’s very hard to breathe,” Cannon said after his first training sessions. “But, I’m getting used to it.”

After Moise Bombito’s transfer to French club OGC Nice in August and Sam Vines recent hamstring injury, the Rapids have a need on the back line.

“He looks like he’s been here. Good players kind of do that where they can get on the same page quickly,” Armas said.

“This is just really important for the versatility that Reggie brings. We’re thrilled to have him.”

A Zoom call with Armas convinced Cannon that Colorado was the right place to continue his career. While he’s among the Rapids hoping to get back into the National Team picture under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, that’s not the top priority.

“I’m honestly really excited to be here. It’s been quite a journey going to Europe, bettering myself, improving, but ultimately I talked with Chris. Chris Armas is such a personality. He’s got such a convincing way of helping yourself and making sure you’re going to be at the highest level possible. He told me his plan for me and ultimately convinced me to come here,” Cannon said.

“My focus is obviously to get back playing the soccer I know and love. Ultimately, I know the national team comes with that. I know where I stand, and I just want to improve and be the best player I can be.”

Colorado Rapids 2, Portland Timbers 1

What happened: A pinpoint cross from Djordje Mihailovic was headed into goal by Rafael Navarro midway through the second half, helping the Rapids further solidify their playoff position Saturday at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park. Colorado goalkeeper Zack Steffen made a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the victory. Rapids forward Darren Yapi was sent off in the final minutes and will be unavailable for Wednesday's match.

Who scored: Colorado winger Jonathan Lewis was in the right place at the right time and opened the scoring nearly 15 minutes into the first half. Portland midfielder David Ayala equalized off a corner kick in the 24th minute. Navarro

Up next: The Rapids head to Kansas City for Wednesday’s match against Sporting Kansas City.