Rafael Amaya (soccer)

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Rafael Amaya (born September 21, 1967) is a Colombian-American former soccer defender from Bogotá. He grew up in the United States, was named the 1983 New York City High School Player of the Year, and played college soccer at Long Island University. He spent his pro career in the 1990s across several leagues: five seasons with the Colorado Foxes in the American Professional Soccer League; MLS with the San Jose Clash in 1996 and the Colorado Rapids in 1997; time in indoor soccer with the Denver Thunder and Wichita Wings; outdoor stints with the Colorado Comets (USISL) and other teams; and finishing with the St. Louis Ambush (NPSL) in 1999–2000. He later appeared as a guest for the Colorado Predators in 2008 and then joined the Colorado Lightning as head coach in the Professional Arena Soccer League. Amaya has also coached youth soccer in Colorado, including at Arvada West High School, and served on the Board of Trustees for the Colorado State Soccer Association.