In a landmark signing, the Colorado Rapids have secured the services of promising Australian center-back Lucas Herrington. The club confirmed today, August 13, 2025, that Herrington has inked a four‑year contract through the 2029 season, with club options extending into 2030. The deal will become effective following the transfer of his International Transfer Certificate and completion of visa requirements, with Herrington set to arrive in Colorado in January 2026.

At just 18 years old, Herrington already boasts impressive credentials. Born July 5, 2007, in Brisbane, Queensland, he progressed through local youth setups – including Taringa Rovers, Toowong FC, and Brisbane City FC – before entering the Brisbane Roar academy in 2019. His rise accelerated in September 2024 when he signed a three‑year A-League scholarship with Brisbane Roar and soon made his professional debut on December 14, 2024, in a match against Western Sydney Wanderers.

During the 2024–2025 A‑League season, Herrington made 17 appearances and found the back of the net once. Herrington has also stood out on the international stage. As a key member of Australia’s youth squads, he contributed to the U‑19 team’s third‑place finish in the 2024 ASEAN U‑19 Boys Championship and played a vital part in Australia’s triumphant 2025 AFC U‑20 Asian Cup campaign.

A Vote of Confidence in Future Potential

Colorado Rapids Sporting Director Fran Taylor lauded the young defender’s attributes: “Lucas is a talented young center back with great size, athleticism, and composure beyond his years. He’s already shown he can compete at the senior level, and we’re excited to bring him into an environment where he can continue to grow and develop with us”.

Brisbane Roar has secured a club‑record transfer fee for the teenager. Roar coach Michael Valkanis echoed the sentiment, underscoring the special nature of Herrington’s progression from academy prospect to professional transfer: “To have come through the academy from under‑13s makes it even more special,” said Herrington himself, reflecting on his journey.

This signing reinforces Colorado Rapids’ growing reputation as a club that develops and nurtures young talent before exporting them abroad. Observers note that Herrington had piqued the interest of several European clubs, yet opted for the Rapids’ clearly defined development plan and pathway to first-team football.

Looking Ahead

The move aligns Colorado with established trends of cultivating promising defenders – such as Auston Trusty, Cole Bassett, and Sam Vines – who have emerged from the Rapids system and drawn attention overseas.

Herrington will finish his commitments with Brisbane Roar through the first half of the 2025–26 Australian season before heading to Major League Soccer. His arrival in January 2026 promises to inject fresh energy and international youth pedigree into Colorado’s backline – adding to a roster already rich in defensive options.

For the Rapids, this is more than just a transfer; it's a strategic investment in the club’s future identity as a hub of young talent capable of thriving on both domestic and international stages.