MLS Draft Interview: Matthew Senanou, Colorado Rapids

With the No. 6 pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, the Colorado Rapids selected Matthew Senanou, a defender out of Xavier.

Senanou became the highest draft pick in school history, surpassing Nick Hagglund in 2014. He spent two years with the Musketeers, amassing 30 appearances. In 2024, the center back started all 16 games that he played in and scored three goals. His backline kept seven clean sheets.

"Being the highest pick in Xavier history is a great feeling," Senanou said. "A lot of great center backs have come out of this program, so it really fills me with a determination to surpass every name before me. That being said, those guys are trailblazers and I hope someone else can surpass me not too long from now in the draft to show that Xavier is the real deal when it comes to soccer."

The 6-foot-4 defender began his college career at the prestigious University of North Carolina. He was only given three matches of playtime with the Tar Heels before transferring to Xavier. He was a true junior year breakout and showed his quality once finally given a fair chance.

"Being at UNC was a real blessing," Senanou said. "It made me mature and really understand what it took in order to achieve your goals and sometimes that means betting on yourself and trusting God to lead you in the right direction."

The Chicago native's venture east held important lessons for his soccer and life journey. His move back closer to home proved to be the one that allowed him to chase his dreams. In 2023, Senanou's Xavier won the BIG EAST title and made its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament in a decade.

Senanou is a serious presence in the back. His commanding frame makes him an elite aerial defender. That size, however, does not limit his speed and nimbleness. Senanou is comfortable with the ball at his feet and is not afraid to step up into the midfield. He has a natural passing ability and can send balls over the top or send a splitting pass into a hold up No. 9. He can also use both feet to play a pass. Senanou's combination of pure strength and speed makes him quite difficult to get around.

"Colorado fans can look forward to seeing my passion on the field, relentless defending and bullying some attackers," Senanou said. "I personally can’t wait!"