{{Short description|Canadian soccer player (born 2004)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=December 2024}} {{Use Canadian English|date=December 2024}} {{Infobox football biography |name = Sydney Wathuta |image = |image_size = |caption = |fullname = |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|2004|6|11}} |birth_place = [[Vancouver, British Columbia]], Canada |height = {{height|ft=6|in=3}} |position = [[Forward (association football)|Forward]] |currentclub = [[Colorado Rapids]] |clubnumber = 47 |youthyears1 = |youthclubs1 = Power FC |youthyears2 = |youthclubs2 = [[Calgary Blizzard SC]] |youthyears3 = |youthclubs3 = New Frontier SC |youthyears4 = 2022–2023 |youthclubs4 = [[Whitecaps FC Academy|Vancouver Whitecaps FC]] |collegeyears1 = 2023–2024 |college1 = [[Vermont Catamounts men's soccer|Vermont Catamounts]] |collegecaps1 = 39 |collegegoals1 = 3 |years1 = 2022–2023 |clubs1 = [[Whitecaps FC Academy]] |caps1 = 12 |goals1 = 2 |years2 = 2023 |clubs2 = [[Whitecaps FC 2]] |caps2 = 2 |goals2 = 0 |years3 = 2024 |clubs3 = [[Vermont Green FC]] |caps3 = 0 |goals3 = 0 |years4 = 2024 |clubs4 = [[Whitecaps FC Academy]] |caps4 = 8 |goals4 = 4 |years5 = 2025 |clubs5 = [[Colorado Rapids 2]] |caps5 = 18 |goals5 = 6<!--league only, no playoffs--> |years6 = 2025 |clubs6 = → [[Colorado Rapids]] (loan) |caps6 = 1 |goals6 = 0 |years7 = 2026– |clubs7 = [[Colorado Rapids]] |caps7 = 0 |goals7 = 0 |nationalyears1 = |nationalteam1 = |nationalcaps1 = |nationalgoals1 = |club-update = December 30, 2025 |nationalteam-update = }}
'''Sydney Wathuta''' (born June 11, 2004) is a Canadian professional [[association football|soccer]] player who plays for [[Major League Soccer]] club [[Colorado Rapids]].
==Early life== Wathuta played youth soccer with Power FC, [[Calgary Blizzard SC]] and New Frontier SC.<ref name=away>{{cite web|url=https://aftn.ca/vancouver-whitecaps-u19-2022-league1-bc-squad-profile-part-two-midfielders-and-forwards/|title=Vancouver Whitecaps U19 2022 League1 BC squad profile (Part Two – Midfielders and Forwards)|date=May 21, 2022|first=Michael|last=McColl|work=Away from the Numbers}}</ref> In 2014, he had a training stint in England with [[Brentford F.C. Reserves and Academy|Brentford]].<ref name=away /> In January 2022, he joined the [[Vancouver Whitecaps FC Academy]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfcalgarysoccer.com/news-media/04-sydney-wathuta-joins-whitecaps-academy-in-vancouver|title=04 Sydney Wathuta Joins Whitecaps Academy in Vancouver|date=January 18, 2022|work=New Frontier SC}}</ref>
==College career== In 2023, Wathuta began attending the [[University of Vermont]], where he played for the [[Vermont Catamounts men's soccer|men's soccer team]].<ref name=vermont>{{cite web|url=https://uvmathletics.com/sports/mens-soccer/roster/sydney-wathuta/11233|title=Sydney Wathuta Vermont profile|work=[[Vermont Catamounts]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nfcalgarysoccer.com/news-media/sydney-wathuta-joins-the-university-of-vermont|title=Sydney Wathuta joins the University of Vermont|date=September 1, 2023|work=New Frontier SC}}</ref> On September 26, 2023, he scored his first collegiate goal in a 1–1 draw against the [[UMass Minutemen soccer|UMass Minutemen]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uvmathletics.com/news/2023/9/26/-14-mens-soccer-and-umass-settle-for-1-1-draw.aspx|title=#14 Men's Soccer and UMass Settle for 1-1 Draw|first=Ryan|last=Manley|date=September 26, 2023|work=[[Vermont Catamounts]]}}</ref> which earned him [[America East Conference]] Co-Rookie of the Week honours.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americaeast.com/news/2023/10/2/aemsoc-week-6-vermont-extends-unbeaten-streak.aspx|title=#AEMSOC Week 6: Vermont Extends Unbeaten Streak|date=October 2, 2023|work=[[America East Conference]]}}</ref> At the end of his first season, he was named to the [[America East Conference]] All-Rookie Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uvmathletics.com/news/2023/11/3/mens-soccer-eight-catamounts-pick-up-all-america-east-honors.aspx|title=Eight Catamounts Pick Up All-America East Honors|date=November 3, 2023|work=[[Vermont Catamounts]]|first=Ryan|last=Manley}}</ref> Ahead of his sophomore season, he was named to the America East All-Preseason team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uvmathletics.com/news/2024/8/7/mens-soccer-selected-as-america-east-preseason-favorite-six-catamounts-earn-all-conference-honors.aspx|title=#14 Men's Soccer Selected as America East Preseason Favorite; Six Catamounts Earn All-Conference Honors|date=August 7, 2024|work=[[Vermont Catamounts]]|first=Ryan|last=Manley}}</ref> That season, he helped Vermont win their first [[2024 NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament|NCAA title]] and finished the season second in the nation with 14 assists.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americaeast.com/news/2024/12/21/2024-mls-draft.aspx|title=Sydney Wathuta & Max Murray Selected in MLS Draft|date=December 20, 2024|work=[[America East Conference]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/vermonts-ncaa-mens-champion-soccer-team-comes-with-distinct-canadian-flavour/article_e9f608d2-4cf2-581e-b9d5-5fd0d1c7a1d5.html|title=Vermont's NCAA men's champion soccer team comes with distinct Canadian flavour|date=December 20, 2024|work=[[Toronto Star]]|first=Neil|last=Davidson}}</ref> At the end of the season, he was named the America East Midfielder of the Year and named to the All-America East First Team and All-[[Eastern College Athletic Conference|ECAC]] Second Team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://americaeast.com/news/2024/11/12/2024_aemsoc_awards.aspx|date=November 12, 2024|work=[[America East Conference]]|title=New Hampshire & Vermont Claim #AEMSOC Major Awards}}</ref><ref name=vermont />
==Club career== In 2022, Wathuta began playing with the [[Whitecaps FC Academy]] in [[League1 British Columbia]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/whitecaps-fc-announce-rosters-for-league1-bc|title=Whitecaps FC announce rosters for League1 BC|date=May 17, 2022|work=[[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]}}</ref> In 2023, he made two appearances for [[Whitecaps FC 2]] in [[MLS Next Pro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.goal.com/en/lists/who-will-be-the-next-cyle-larin-akron-s-emil-jaaskelainen-phoenix-rising-s-pape-mar-boye-among-top-names-to-watch-in-2025-mls-superdraft/blt1189d14907b27870|title=Who will be the next Cyle Larin? Akron's Emil Jaaskelainen, Phoenix Rising's Pape Mar Boye among top names to watch in 2025 MLS SuperDraft|date=December 19, 2024|first=Jacob|last=Schneider|work=[[Goal (website)|Goal]]}}</ref>
In 2024, he joined [[USL League Two]] side [[Vermont Green FC]] for their [[2024 U.S. Open Cup]] matches in March and April.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://vermontgreenfc.com/two-vermont-green-players-selected-in-2025-mls-superdraft/|title=Two Vermont Green Players Selected In 2025 MLS SuperDraft|date=December 20, 2024|work=[[Vermont Green FC]]}}</ref> He then subsequently returned to the Whitecaps FC Academy for the 2024 season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/2024-league1bc-season-preview|title=League1 BC Season Preview: What you need to know|date=April 24, 2024|work=[[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]}}</ref> On July 14, 2024, he scored a hat trick in a 4–3 victory over [[Burnaby FC]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.whitecapsfc.com/news/league1-bc-men-s-side-clinches-playoff-spot|title=League1 BC: Men's side clinches playoff spot|date=July 14, 2024|work=[[Vancouver Whitecaps FC]]|first=Alistair|last=Burns}}</ref>
At the [[2025 MLS SuperDraft]], Wathuta was selected in the first round (16th overall) by the [[Colorado Rapids]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mynbc5.com/article/wathuta-murray-become-next-university-of-vermont-stars-drafted-into-the-mls/63253124|title=Wathuta, Murray become next University of Vermont stars drafted into the MLS|date=December 20, 2024|work=[[WPTZ]]|first=Noah|last=Cierzan}}</ref> In January 2025, he signed a professional contract with their second team, [[Colorado Rapids 2]], in [[MLS Next Pro]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/rapids2/news/colorado-rapids-2-sign-forward-sydney-wathuta-to-mls-next-pro-contract|title=Colorado Rapids 2 sign forward Sydney Wathuta to MLS NEXT Pro contract|date=January 16, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> On March 7, 2025, he made his debut in a match against [[Austin FC II]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/rapids2/news/recap-colton-swan-records-brace-but-rapids-2-fall-to-austin-fc-ii-4-2-in-2025-season-opener|title=Recap: Colton Swan records brace, but Rapids 2 fall to Austin FC II, 4–2, in 2025 season opener|date=March 7, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> He scored his first goal on May 18, 2025, in a 2–1 victory over the [[Real Monarchs]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/rapids2/news/recap-colorado-rapids-2-top-real-monarchs-2-1-thanks-to-last-minute-winner-from-kimani-stewart-baynes|title=Recap: Colorado Rapids 2 top Real Monarchs 2–1 thanks to last-minute winner from Kimani Stewart-Baynes|first=Peter|last=Cohen|date=May 18, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> In July 2025, he signed a short-term loan with the [[Colorado Rapids]] first team ahead of a pair of [[Leagues Cup]] matches.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-call-up-sydney-wathuta-on-short-term-agreement-for-leagues-cup-matches-against-santos-laguna-and-club-tijuana|title=Colorado Rapids call up Sydney Wathuta on Short-Term Agreement for Leagues Cup matches against Santos Laguna and Club Tijuana|date=July 31, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> On August 7, 2025, he signed another short-term loan,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-call-up-sydney-wathuta-on-second-short-term-agreement-for-leagues-cup-match-against-cruz-azul|title=Colorado Rapids call up Sydney Wathuta on second Short-Term Agreement for Leagues Cup match against Cruz Azul |date=August 7, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> making his first team debut the same day in a Leagues Cup match against Mexican side [[Cruz Azul]], recording an assist in a 2–2 draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/recap-navarro-maxso-score-young-players-stand-out-in-leagues-cup-result-with-cruz-azul|title=Recap: Navarro, Maxsø score, young players stand out in Leagues Cup result with Cruz Azul|date=August 7, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> He signed another two short-term loans that season.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-call-up-sydney-wathuta-on-third-short-term-agreement-for-match-against-minnesota-united|title=Colorado Rapids call up Sydney Wathuta on third Short-Term Agreement for match against Minnesota United|date=August 10, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-call-up-sydney-wathuta-on-fourth-and-final-short-term-agreement-for-match-against-atlanta-united|title=Colorado Rapids call up Sydney Wathuta on fourth and final Short-Term Agreement for match against Atlanta United|date=August 16, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref> On August 16, 2025, he made his MLS debut as a late game substitute against.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/recap-navarro-brace-wathuta-mls-debut-spotlight-rapids-home-victory-over-atlanta|title=Recap: Navarro brace, Wathuta MLS debut spotlight Rapids' home victory over Atlanta |date=August 16, 2025|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]|first=Emilio|last=Gonzalez}}</ref>
In February 2026, he signed a first team contract with the [[Colorado Rapids]] through June 2027, with two additional options for the 2027–28 and 2028–29 seasons.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.coloradorapids.com/news/colorado-rapids-sign-forward-sydney-wathuta|title=Colorado Rapids sign forward Sydney Wathuta|date=February 2, 2026|work=[[Colorado Rapids]]}}</ref>
==Career statistics== {{updated|December 14, 2025}}<ref>{{soccerway|new_id=wathuta-sydney/Auy65G9q}}</ref> {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|Playoffs !colspan="2"|National Cup !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan=3|[[Whitecaps FC Academy]] |[[2022 League1 British Columbia season|2022]] |rowspan=2|[[League1 British Columbia]] |2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |[[2023 League1 British Columbia season|2023]] |10||2||2||2||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||12||4 |- !colspan="2"|Total !12!!2!!2!!2!!0!!0!!0!!0!!14!!4 |- |[[Whitecaps FC 2]] |[[2023 MLS Next Pro season|2023]] |[[MLS Next Pro]] |2||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |[[Vermont Green FC]] |[[2024 USL League Two season|2024]] |[[USL League Two]] |0||0||0||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||2||0 |- |[[Whitecaps FC Academy]] |[[2024 League1 British Columbia season|2024]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://league1bc.ca/player/6768794-sydney-wathuta/|title=Sydney Wathuta 2024 L1BC Stats|work=[[League1 British Columbia]]}}</ref> |[[League1 British Columbia]] |8||4||0||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||8||4 |- |[[Colorado Rapids 2]] |[[2025 MLS Next Pro season|2025]] |[[MLS Next Pro]] |18||6||4||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||22||6 |- |[[Colorado Rapids]] (loan) |[[2025 MLS Next Pro season|2025]] |[[League1 British Columbia]] |1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||1||0||2||0 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !41!!12!!6!!2!!2!!0!!1!!0!!50!!14 |}
== Honours == '''Vermont Catamounts'''
* [[NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament]]: [[2024 NCAA Division I men's soccer tournament|2024]]
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{soccerway|sydney-wathuta/904758}}
{{2025 MLS SuperDraft}} {{Colorado Rapids squad}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Wathuta, Sydney}} [[Category:Canadian soccer players]] [[Category:Colorado Rapids 2 players]] [[Category:Colorado Rapids players]] [[Category:Soccer people from British Columbia]] [[Category:2004 births]] [[Category:Living people]]