Shinyashiki lives up to promise in first season

COMMERCE CITY» Rapids head coach Robin Fraser saw Andre Shinyashiki for the first time on the second day of the MLS rookie combine.

“In about five minutes it was clear he was the best player at the combine,” Fraser said.

Colorado general manager Padraig Smith was similarly smitten with the University of Denver forward, trading up to the fifth overall pick in the MLS SuperDraft to grab him last winter.

In his first professional season, that promise became a reality as Shinyashiki’s striking talent produced seven goals in 31 appearances and, as was announced Tuesday, the MLS Rookie of the Year award for 2019.

“His understanding of the game and his technical ability stand out,” Fraser said. “His composure and finishing … the award is really well deserved.”

The 22-year-old native of São Paulo, Brazil, found out Monday that he had gotten the nod — pranked by the Rapids digital team and DU Soccer coach Jamie Franks into thinking he was on a normal facetime with one of his mentors.

“He’s the first full fouryear guy I had,” fifth-year Pioneers head coach Franks said. “I’m just really proud, and happy for him. It was just a cool moment to share with him because you know, he’s been like, you know, he’s been like a son to me. I’m just really really happy that he’s here in Colorado so I got to share the moment with him.”

The moment Franks is referring to? He slyly slipped into the middle of the conversation that his former striker had won the award.

“It was great to have it happen that way,” Shinyashiki said with a smile. “He’s a true mentor and you know, he’s just such a great guy and has helped me so much. I was so happy that he was able to tell me and that he was willing to do that for me.”

The 33-year-old Franks has built a strong program at the University of Denver with ties to the Rapids. Kortne Ford also split his youth career between the Pioneers and Rapids developmental academy before joining the first team.

“I think for us, we’re a part of the pyramid here in Colorado,” Franks said. “Andre was the target of theirs. And they went out to get him because we have such a great relationship with those guys. I have the utmost respect for Padraig and everything that he’s trying to do so I was just happy that we could help support them.”

Shinyashiki was a firstteam All-American in college and scored 28 goals his senior season.