The Bassett brothers could be living their dream together in less than a year.
“Ultimately, we want to play together,” University of Denver midfielder Sam Bassett told the Denver Gazette of his older brother, Cole, a midfielder for the Rapids. “That’s our end goal.”
There’s one thing left for Sam and the Pioneers to accomplish before Major League Soccer’s next SuperDraft. That’s a national championship.
The Pioneers, ranked first by Top Drawer Soccer and third in the United Soccer Coaches’ poll, continued their eight-game unbeaten streak to start the season with a 0-0 draw Thursday against Portland at Ciber Field on the University of Denver campus. A few members of the Rapids front office were on hand to watch, as was big brother.
“I doubt there’s a more technical player in college soccer right now,” Cole told the Denver Gazette at halftime. “I hope the Rapids and other MLS teams take notice.”
If Sam keeps it up, it’s going to be impossible for MLS clubs to ignore. The senior’s got four goals and five assists on the season heading into Sunday’s match against Seattle. He’s been a big part to DU’s 4-0-4 start.
“He’s a 10-year pro,” DU coach Jamie Franks, a former pro player who transitioned to coaching, said postgame. “The way that he works … maybe two years ago people could question his defending but not anymore. He’s an all-time player. Every game, he’s been the best guy on the field for us. I’m just really happy for him, his growth.”
The Bassett brothers have moved past the frequent childhood fights that come with competitive kids separated by fewer than two years, but there’s still a little competition. Cole, with nine goals and seven assists in MLS play, said the brothers are battling for the most goal contributions this season. They hope this is their last year on different teams, and Cole believes little bro is ready for the step up in competition.
“I’ve been around a lot of players, and he comes and trains with all the pros in the offseason with us. For me, he’s better than guys that are in MLS right now,” Cole said. “I think he just needs that chance and opportunity to show it. Hopefully, it’s here with the Rapids, but if not, it’s whatever situation is best for him.”
Both Bassetts acknowledged Sam followed in Cole’s footsteps up until the last few years. Cole, who had committed to DU, ended up bypassing the college game and signed directly with the Rapids’ senior team from the academy. Sam also played for the Rapids academy but ended up going the college route. Sam’s still gotten exposure to the professional game in training sessions and a stint with Rapids 2, the reserve team, in the offseason.
A year from now, he could be playing alongside, or against, Cole in MLS.
“We’re going to end up playing together, but I’m doing it a little bit of a different way,” Sam said.
“Coming to Denver has been incredible piece to that story.”
Up next
What: No. 1/3 Denver vs. Seattle
When: 7 p.m. Sunday
Where: Ciber Field, University of Denver campus
TV: Summit League Network