Rapids agree to 3-year deal with manager Mastroeni

After an exceptionally overachieving campaign at the helm of Western Conference finalists Colorado Rapids, manager Pablo Mastroeni has been given a new three-year deal with the club.

The former defensive midfielder, who made 225 appearances for the club between 2002 and 2013, will remain with Colorado through the 2019 season, according to a statement on its website.

“We are excited to announce the re-signing of Pablo as head coach of our club for years to come,” Rapids president Tim Hinchey said Thursday. “Over the course of his managerial career, Pablo has proven that he is one of the top young head coaches in this league.

(Courtesy: @ColoradoRapids)

“We are delighted with his ongoing development and the level of commitment that he has shown towards this organization.”

Against most expectations, the Rapids finished second to FC Dallas in the Western Conference before bowing out to the Seattle Sounders over two legs at the penultimate stage.

Under Mastroeni’s guidance, the Rapids finished the campaign proper with a 15-6-13 record, the most successful regular season in franchise history.

The record-breaking season included standards for points (58), points at home (39), most home victories (11). longest unbeaten run (15), fewest losses (six), fewest goals conceded (32), fewest goals conceded at home (seven), most clean sheets (seven), and highest regular-season finish (second).

“I have been extremely fortunate to be a part of this organization, both as a player and now as the head coach,” Mastroeni admitted. “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.”