Colorado Springs is still heavy with grief after the passing of Ryan Sabin, a well-loved member of the Centennial 38 supporter group. His death during a Wednesday Open Cup match has left friends, fans, and the wider Colorado Rapids community in shock.
Ryan was known around matchdays as someone who made everything feel more alive. He showed up early, stayed late, and always found his place among the tailgate crew. People say you didn’t just see Ryan—you felt him in the energy of the crowd.


At the heart of it, Ryan was a connector. He was often behind the grill, laughing with strangers who quickly became friends. His smile was constant, and his presence made even ordinary matchdays feel like something special.
Supporters describe him as the kind of person who made sure nobody stood alone for long. If you looked unsure or new, Ryan would pull you in like you had always belonged. That quiet kindness is what many are holding onto now.
His love for the Colorado Rapids ran deep, but it was never just about the game. It was about the people, the shared rituals, and the sense of family that grew around Centennial 38. That is where he truly stood out.
News of his passing during the Open Cup match spread quickly and hit hard. What should have been another night of soccer turned into a moment of silence in many hearts. The celebration of the game gave way to reflection and disbelief.
Friends say Ryan had a way of making simple things feel meaningful. A handshake, a joke, a shared drink before kickoff—he turned those small moments into memories people now replay in their minds.
As the community processes the loss, there is a shared sense that something important is missing. Not just a supporter, but a steady presence who helped shape the matchday experience for so many.
Ryan Sabin is remembered now not only for his passion for soccer, but for the way he made people feel seen. His absence leaves a space that words cannot easily fill, but his impact continues to live in the community he helped build.
Colorado Springs: Centennial 38 Grieves Ryan Sabin After Sudden Open Cup Tragedy