Lalas Abubakar

BIOGRAPHY

Lalas Abubakar was born December 25, 1994, in Kumasi, Ghana. He is a defender in Major League Soccer. 

Abubakar was drafted by Columbus Crew SC as their first-round draft pick in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, and the fifth draft pick overall. During his first season in Columbus, Abubakar split time with Columbus and the Pittsburgh Riverhounds in what is now the USL Championship. In total, Abubakar made 15 appearances during his first professional season; ten with Columbus and five with Pittsburgh. Moreover, during his rookie season, he scored his first professional goal on August 19, 2017 against Orlando City SC. In 2018, Abubakar played in 23 games, scoring one goal. However, despite Abubakar's uptick in appearances, his performances were largely considered inconsistent and he was relegated to a reserve role for new Columbus coach Caleb Porter in 2019. Due to this, and Columbus's depth in the center-back position, Abubakar was sent out to fellow MLS side, the Colorado Rapids. This was a move that paid off in strides for all parties. Abubakar made 22 appearances for Colorado, while becoming the team's Defender of the Year and helping the resurgent Colorado side make a late season playoff push that ultimately fell short. Abubakar made one appearance with Columbus in 2019 before being loaned to Colorado Rapids in exchange for $125,000 in 2019 Targeted Allocation Money. In 2019, Abubakar made 22 starts among 22 appearances for Colorado and was named the club's Defensive Player of the Year at its annual end-of-year awards gala. On Nov. 20, 2019, Colorado permanently acquired Abubakar from Columbus in exchange for $400,000 in General Allocation Money and a 2020 international roster spot. Abubakar continued his solid play in 2020, starting 17 regular season matches. Abubakar scored his first Rapids goal in stoppage time to equalize against Houston Dynamo on Sept. 9. Abubakar started and played a full 90 minutes in Colorado's first-round playoff loss to Minnesota United FC. Abubakar finished the season with 24 blocks, which was the second-most in MLS.  Abubakar was named the club's Defensive Player of the Year for a second consecutive season.

On 15 December 2020, Abubakar signed a new contract with the Colorado Rapids, keeping him at the club until through 2024. He scored his second goal for the club on 21 July 2021, an opening goal in the 48th minute, as the Rapids won 2–0 at home against FC Dallas. He then opened the scoring again for the Rapids on 14 August in a 3–1 away victory against the Houston Dynamo.