Who is Sam Vines?
The USMNT’s most underrated and under-appreciated prospect
In an era where Americans are playing for some of the biggest clubs in world football, like Chelsea, Juventus, and FC Barcelona, it’s easy to forget the young talents blossoming at home in MLS. Though young players like Philadelphia’s Brenden Aaronson get attention from USMNT supporters, there are plenty of young players in MLS that go almost completely unnoticed, and none are a better example of this under-appreciation than Colorado Rapids’ left back Sam Vines.
Vines grew up as a wing back in the Rapids’ Academy, and was first signed to a Homegrown deal on February 23, 2018 as an 18-year-old. His first season as a professional was in the USL with the Charlotte Independence, where he bagged 5 assists in 30 appearances, before getting his chance with the Rapids late in the 2018 season, making his debut against the San Jose Earthquakes.
Vines was handed his chance in the 2019 campaign, appearing in 26 matches and establishing himself in an up-and-coming, young Rapids side. Though attacking contributions didn’t come for Vines in 2019, his defensive skills were on display when he shut down some of the best wingers in the league, most notably in a 1-0 win against LAFC, where Vines had Carlos Vela in his pocket and frustrated the soon-to-be crowned 2019 MLS MVP.
In 2020, Vines has improved on his defensive skills, as well as adding attacking to his repertoire. So far in the abbreviated 2020 season, the 21-year-old has bagged both his first two assists in MLS, as well as his first goal, in a 5-0 win over bitter rivals Real Salt Lake.
Vines has locked down the left back role in a young, entertaining Rapids side pushing for the playoffs this season. Rapids supporters believe that the team doesn’t get enough credit as it is, and that young talents Vines, along with his friend and teammate Cole Bassett, don’t have the hype and attention the pair deserves. Both have been recognized by the National Team setup, as Vines has represented his country at the U14, U15, U16, U18, and U20 levels. The Colorado Springs native also earned his first senior team cap this winter, playing 77 minutes in a friendly against Costa Rica.
“He’s a player that we see that has a bright future.” USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter said prior to Vines’ senior national team debut.
It’s hard to tell if Vines would’ve received more call-ups to the national team if it weren’t for the COVID-19 pandemic, but there is no denying that Vines has a bright future in the national team--a future that could likely involve a move to Europe in the future.
Though there haven’t been any rumors involving Vines, fellow Rapids youngster Bassett has attracted attention from German club SC Freiburg, and has also trained with English giants Arsenal.
One of the biggest reasons Vines has a chance to be a serious contributor to the national team setup for years to come is simply the position he plays. Left back appears to be the biggest hole in the upcoming “golden age” of American talent, with the biggest name on the left side of defense being Fulham’s Antonee Robinson.
There are a few young left backs in the national team setup, like 20-year-old Chris Gloster, 18-year-old Kobe Hernandez-Foster, and fellow MLS product Chase Gaspar, but other than perhaps Gaspar, Vines has enjoyed the most consistent, top flight football.
While Robinson is the obvious choice to start for the national team, due to his experience in the European game, Vines is two years younger and still yet to truly recognize his full potential. If a move to Europe ever materializes, Vines could go far in making a name for himself in a league focused on developing young players, like the Dutch Eredivisie. If Vines departs to Europe, it would leave a big hole for the Rapids, but he’s one of only a few upcoming young Rapids Academy products, with players like 17-year-old Sebastian Anderson hoping to follow in Vines’ footsteps. The hype surrounding Vines is still fairly subdued and is mainly confined to the Rapids fanbase, but if he continues on the run of excellent form he has enjoyed since the end of the MLS is Back Tournament, the hype will come, and Vines may get the attention that has been long overdue.
It’s hard to say how high the 21-year-old can go in his still-young career, but if/when a move to Europe comes, we will be able to see just how promising and talented Sam Vines is.
