In professional football, a lot of a team’s success rests on the shoulders of its coaches. In the case of Colorado Rapids, a Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise, their coaches’ influence has significantly contributed to their successful journey so far. From its inception in 1996, Colorado Rapids has had twelve coaches, of which nine were permanent.
So, join us as we embark on a journey to explore the performance of the different coaches behind this Colorado team.
1. Bob Houghton
Bob Houghton is a former English football player who later turned manager. Bob is the first coach the Colorado Rapids had. The Rapids appointed him in 1996 after leaving FC Zurich. He stayed in the Rapids for seven months. During his tenure as coach, he guided the Rapids through 31 games, where they won 11 but lost 20 games.
2. Roy Wagerie
Shortly after Bob left the Rapids, Roy Wagerie, a former American International soccer player, was appointed. Roy served as an interim coach for 2 months and 6 days, during which he coached the Rapids in 3 games where they had a win and two losses.
3. Glenn Myernick
Glenn Myernick is a former American forward and defense player who later turned coach. His coaching career started in 1985 when he coached as an assistant for the University of Tampa. In 1997 he became the coach for the Colorado Rapids, taking the term to 145 matches. The Rapids had 70 wins, 5 draws, and 70 losses during his time.
4. Tim Hankinson
Tim Hankinson is an American soccer coach who started coaching with an American college team before becoming head coach in the MLS, managing teams in India, Jamaica, and Iceland. He became head coach for the Rapids in 2001, where he coached for 4 years and a month. During his tenure in the Rapids, he led them through 145 matches with 70 wins, 5 draws, and 70 losses.
5. Fernando Clavijo
Fernando Clavijo is a former American-Uruguayan soccer defender. He started his coaching career as early as 1991 and became manager of the Colorado Rapids in 2005. He stayed with the Rapids for 3 years, 7 months, and 29 days, leading them through 120 matches, with 42 wins, 26 draws, and 52 wins.
6. Gary Smith
Gary Smith is a former English footballer who played midfielder. He started his coaching career with the Rapids, where he was appointed in 2008. His tenure in the Rapids lasted for 2 years, 11 months, and 27 days, where he guided them through 107 matches with 41 wins, 34 draws, and 32 losses.
7. Oscar Pareja
Oscar Pareja is a former Colombian professional football player who played midfielder. He became head coach of the Rapids in 2012. Oscar’s tenure at the Rapids lasted 2 years and 3 days, during which he led the team through 72 matches with 26 wins, 13 draws, and 33 losses.
8. Pablo Mastroeni
Pablo Mastroeni is a former defensive midfielder who has previously played for the Colorado Rapids. He became head coach for the Rapids in 2014 and stayed for 3 years, 5 months, and 7 days. He led the team through 134 matches with 42 wins, 35 draws, and 57 losses during his tenure.
9. Steve Cooke
Steven Cooke is an English football manager and coach. He was appointed by the Colorado Rapids on August 15, 2017, and stayed for 3 months and 13 days. During his time as the coach for the Rapids, they competed in 12 matches with 3 wins, 2 draws, and 7 losses.
10. Anthony Hudson
Anthony Hudson is one of the youngest coaches to earn the UEFA Pro License. His career as a coach started in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2017 that the Rapids appointed him. Anthony coached the Rapids in 19 games, where they had 7 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.
11. Conor Casey
Conor Casey is a former American soccer player who played for 16 seasons before becoming a coach for his former club Colorado Rapids. Appointed as interim coach on May 1, 2019, guided the Rapids in 19 games. During his time as coach, the Rapid had 7 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.
12. Robin Fraser
Robin Fraser is a former American professional player in the MLS playing defender. He is the current coach of the Rapids, appointed in 2019. Robin has led the Rapids in 121 matches with 45 wins, 33 draws, and 43 losses.
Conclusion
In summary, Rapids has had several impeccable coaches throughout history. While some stayed for years, others stayed for months. But in all, each coach was instrumental to the team’s success so far.
