The Colorado Rapids announced on Apr. 15 that midfielder Nathan Tchoumba has been called up from the club’s MLS NEXT Pro side, Rapids 2, under a Short-Term Agreement. Tchoumba will be available for selection in the team’s Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match against Union Omaha scheduled for Tuesday, April 14.
This move is significant as it marks Tchoumba’s first of four permitted Short-Term Agreements for the 2026 Major League Soccer season. The midfielder joined Rapids 2 earlier this year after signing his first professional contract on January 16, becoming the youngest player to sign with the second team at just 15 years old.
Tchoumba has made four appearances and played a total of 226 minutes in MLS NEXT Pro so far this season. Upon completion of his current contract with Rapids 2, he is set to join the first team as a Homegrown player under a contract running through the end of the 2029-2030 MLS season, with club options extending through two additional seasons.
According to league regulations for the upcoming season, clubs are allowed to sign players aged 25 or younger from their affiliate teams to a maximum of four short-term agreements per year, each lasting up to four days and totaling no more than sixteen days in one season. Players can be included on up to four match rosters but may only play in two regular league matches; however, there is no limit on appearances in non-league competitions such as cup matches during these agreements.
The club confirmed that this transaction enables Tchoumba’s participation specifically for their U.S. Open Cup fixture against Union Omaha.
