COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — The Colorado Rapids announced Chris Armas as the team's 10th permanent head coach Friday.
The former Major League Soccer and U.S. Men's National Team star takes over for Robin Fraser, who was fired in September after compiling a 47-48-34 since he was hired in August 2019.
Armas most recently served as an assistant coach for Manchester United and Leeds United in the English Premier League.
During his playing career, the defensive midfielder for the Los Angeles Galaxy and Chicago Fire FC was named an MLS All-Star six times in 12 years and earned 66 caps with the U.S. National Team. He was named the U.S. Soccer Male Athlete of the Year in 2000.
“We’re delighted to begin a new chapter at the Colorado Rapids with Chris as our head coach,” said Colorado Rapids President Pádraig Smith. “Chris brings a wealth of experience across the highest levels of the game, both as a player and as a coach. He is a natural leader who demands the highest standards from his players and understands what it takes to build a positive, and winning culture. We believe he has the personal qualities, experience and shared vision to help us achieve the success we seek.”
“I’m incredibly proud and excited to take the role as the head coach of the Colorado Rapids,” Armas said. “This is a club that has had success in the recent past and KSE is an organization that has a strong track record of winning championships. Throughout the process I was struck by the desire of the organization to return to the playoffs and compete for trophies. I'm as hungry as ever to deliver this success to our fans and our club. I’ve always been eager to implement my style of play at a club that plays and trains at altitude. This advantage, along with high energy, attacking and entertaining football, can help our team and fans return to home field dominance. I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to take the reins and to work with the entire staff to get the club back into the playoffs and ultimately to bring another MLS Cup to Colorado."
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