The Site
Rapids Republic was founded in 2017 with the goal of providing detailed and comprehensive coverage on all things Rapids: from the academy to the senior team.
The Writers
Joseph Samelson is a soccer fanatic, enthusiast, and writer living in Boulder, Colorado. Prior to moving to Colorado and founding Rapids Republic, he played at various levels of youth and collegiate recreational soccer as a right midfielder in the Deep South. When he’s not authoring the freshest takes about soccer in the Centennial State, Joseph spends his time as a legal assistant in downtown Denver.
Colorado Native Juan Fernandez has been a lifelong fan of the beautiful game. From childhood memories of playing to current day capo duties, soccer is spread out all throughout Juan’s life. From playing recreationally, to coaching, to writing, to reading, to watching, and to supporting soccer, the sport is heavily ingrained in Juan’s personal life. When he’s away from the pitch, Juan can be seen studying and perfecting his craft as a musician under the stage name “Juanners”.
Kellen Abreu has been a season ticket holder for teams in MLS and USL since 2014 when he went on a whim to a Chivas USA match and fell in love with the beautiful game. Kellen is a coffee addict, musician, video gamer (PSN – Kelvis07), philosophy nerd, and cursed sports fan. He boasts a formidable collection of films, musical instruments, and Star Wars memorabilia and would love to talk to you all about it over a pint. He is a father of two art, coffee, and soccer enthusiasts – Ellianna and Quinn.
Photography
Mark Shaiken is a Denver-based photographer. He is the editor and founder of do : : or : : diso — a short, to the point, internet magazine offering a photography insight articles. In the past, he has freelanced for The Colorado Rapids and Sporting Kansas City, World Soccer Talk , and WVhooligan.com, a Major League Soccer blog. He has shot athletics for numerous college including: North Dakota State University, Missouri Western University, Northwest Missouri State University, Haverford College, University of Missouri – Kansas City, St. Louis University, Rockhurst University, Fort Hays State University, Whitman College, Seattle University, Regis University, and The University of Denver. He has shot athletic tournaments for the Summit League and the University of Missouri – Kansas City, and he teaches photography in Denver to veterans for Task Force:ISO.
Rapids Republic Elsewhere
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