Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today that head coach Pablo Mastroeni has signed a new contract through the 2019 MLS season.
The Rapids legend returns for his fourth season as head coach after leading the club to a second-place finish in the 2016 regular season, as well as a trip to the Western Conference Championship.
“We are excited to announce the re-signing of Pablo as head coach of our club for years to come,” said Colorado Rapids President Tim Hinchey. “Over the course of his managerial career, Pablo has proven that he is one of the top young head coaches in this league. We are delighted with his ongoing development and the level of commitment that he has shown towards this organization. We’re looking forward to the continued success of the club under his leadership.”
Mastroeni helped lead the team to a 15-6-13 record in 2016, while also guiding the Rapids to the most successful regular season in club history. The Rapids’ record-breaking season included most points (58), most points at home (39), most wins at home (11), longest single-season unbeaten streak (15), fewest losses (6), fewest goals allowed (32), fewest goals allowed at home (7), most shutouts (13), and highest regular season finish (2nd).
“I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of this organization, both as a player and now as the head coach,” said Mastroeni. “I appreciate the trust and confidence demonstrated by the Kroenkes – and I’m eager to get back to work to prepare for yet another successful campaign. With the help of my coaching staff, we have been able to transform the culture of this organization and I’m very excited about the direction in which this club is headed.”
After missing out on the Playoffs in the first two seasons under Mastroeni, the club secured the second seed in the Western Conference, while also becoming only the fifth team in MLS history to finish a regular season undefeated at home (11-0-6). The Rapids defeated the LA Galaxy in a two-leg series thriller in the Conference Semifinals before being eliminated by Seattle Sounders FC in the Conference Championship.
Mastroeni closed his playing career as Colorado’s most decorated player. He was named to the MLS All-Star Team in his first seven seasons with the club (2002-2008), and earned Rapids MVP honors three times (2007, 2008 and 2010). Mastroeni still holds club records in games played, games started, and minutes played.
In a 16-year career in Major League Soccer with the Miami Fusion, Rapids and LA Galaxy, Mastroeni was a nine-time MLS All-Star and played in 334 MLS regular season games. In 2010, Mastroeni captained the Rapids to their first MLS Cup in club history.
Mastroeni also represented the United States Men’s National Team at the 2002 and 2006 FIFA World Cups, and won the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2005 and 2007. In total, he made 65 appearances for the United States.
