Rapids sign steal of 2025 draft, Donovan Phillip, to 2-year deal

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd January, 19:31 2026

Sep 21, 2024; Commerce City, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of an Apple TV logo on the jersey of Colorado Rapids defender Sebastian Anderson (22) in the second half against the Toronto FC at Dick's Sporting Goods Park. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rapids signed third-round draft pick Donovan Phillip to a two-year contract, which includes three club options that could extend the deal through June 2030.

Financial terms of the deal were not announced.

Phillip, 21, was drafted in December 2024 and exceeded expectations at NC State this past season when the forward scored 19 goals with two assists and earned the MAC Hermann Trophy as the top college player.

The Saint Lucia native will occupy an international roster spot with the Rapids.

Phillip was also named a United Soccer Coaches First-Team All-American this past season and ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

"We're really proud of the work our scouting group did to identify Donavan two seasons ago as a sophomore," Rapids director of player personnel Brian Crookham said. "Drafting him a year before he went on to win the MAC Hermann Trophy speaks to the depth of our evaluation process and our willingness to lean into the updated SuperDraft rules.

"As the draft pool has expanded, we've been intentional about using those changes to our advantage, and Donavan is a great example of that approach."

Recent changes to MLS SuperDraft rules allow teams to now draft underclassmen.

--Field Level Media