Robin Fraser: “I consider Colorado to be home, I’ve played here, coached here and I know the soccer community in this state. ” (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
COMMERCE CITY, Colo. – Former Red Bull assistant coach Robin Fraser Sunday was named head coach of the Colorado Rapids.
Fraser is the ninth permanent head coach in club history.
The 52-year=old Fraser replaced interim coach Conor Casey, who took over for the fired Anthony Hudson May 1. Hudson became Major League Soccer’s first coaching casualty this season.
“We are excited to welcome Robin Fraser to our club,” Rapids executive vice president and general manager Pádraig Smith said. “He brings with him a wealth of experience, strong tactical acumen and a deep knowledge of what it takes to be successful in MLS. He is hugely respected by players and coaches around the league and has earned this reputation over the course of a distinguished career as a player and coach. We are thrilled to have someone of Robin’s caliber join our team at this time as we plan for what will be one of the most important offseasons in the club’s history.”
Fraser was assistant coach to former Red Bulls head coach Mike Petke, who recently was sacked by Real Salt Lake, from 2012-14.
Since 2015, Fraser served as an assistant coach with Toronto FC. During his tenure, the club won the first domestic treble in MLS history winning MLS Cup, the Supporters’ Shield and the Canadian Championship in 2017. Toronto FC also qualified for the playoffs in three of Fraser’s four seasons at the team, reached two MLS Cup Finals and won three consecutive Canadian Championships.
Fraser began his MLS coaching career with RSL in 2007 and was an assistant coach for the club’s 2009 MLS Cup win. He was appointed head coach of Chivas USA in 2011 before taking up an assistant coach role with the New York Red Bulls in 2012, playing a key role in their 2013 Supporters’ Shield-winning season.
With more than 12 years of MLS coaching experience, Fraser has under his belt eight MLS Cup Playoff berths, has taken home two Supporters’ Shields, won three Canadian Championships, reached the CONCACAF Champions League final, and competed in three MLS Cup finals. He won two MLS Cups with RSL and Toronto FC.
“I’m thrilled to be back with the Colorado Rapids and eager to lead this club forward into what I believe can be a successful period in the club’s history,” Fraser said. “I consider Colorado to be home, I’ve played here, coached here and I know the soccer community in this state. I’m committed to the club’s vision and I’m excited to work with this strong group of players and especially the nucleus of young, talented players we have at the club.”
As a player, Fraser began his professional career in the American Soccer League, playing for the Colorado Foxes until joining Major League Soccer in its 1996 inaugural season. Fraser was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 1996 MLS player draft and went on to play for the LA Galaxy, Rapids and the Columbus Crew.
He was a two-time Supporters’ Shield winner, CONCACAF Champions Cup winner, two-time playoff conference champion and four-time regular season conference champion. His individual accolades include two MLS defender of the year recognitions, five MLS Best XI selections and five MLS all-star selections.
Fraser also earned 27 caps for the United States men’s national team.
