Rapids ink head coach Robin Fraser to four-year extension

The Colorado Rapids announced on Wednesday that they have signed head coach Robin Fraser to a four-year extension through the 2025 MLS season.

Sources indicated to Burgundy Wave in the fall that Colorado had begun to work on the deal, and both sides spent the offseason working on it.

"We are excited to secure Robin as our head coach for the next four years," said Josh Kroenke, Vice Chairman of Kroenke Sports & Entertainment in a news release. "Robin has proven himself to be among the elite coaches in MLS. His coaching acumen, personality and attention to detail make him an ideal fit to help us continue to compete at the top of MLS for years to come."

Kroenke was seen at the Rapids home opener by Burgundy Wave, a rare and notable sighting. Ownership did sign off on this extension, per a club source. Given the transfer of Auston Trusty to Arsenal, there's mounting evidence that KSE is taking more interest in the club.

Fraser, meanwhile, has had a terrific run thus far as the head man. Since his first match in Burgundy on August 31, 2019, Colorado's 1.76 points per game are tied for the most in MLS with a 32W-16L-15D regular-season record in that time. In two full seasons in charge, Fraser has led the Rapids to consecutive playoff appearances for the first time since 2010-11. The former Rapids player, turned coach was named a finalist for the Sigi Schmid MLS Coach of the Year award after leading the Rapids to a club-record 61 points and a first-place finish in the Western Conference.

"I'm extremely happy to be signing with the Rapids for an extended period of time," said Fraser in a news release. "This team is still in its infancy, in terms of where we want to go, so I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to continue this project. I've truly enjoyed working with this group of players and this incredible technical staff and am very much looking forward to what we can accomplish together. I'm grateful to Stan and Josh Kroenke, Team Governor Matt Hutchings, Pádraig Smith and the entire KSE organization for the opportunity to continue here and for their unwavering support."

The 55-year-old was named the club's ninth permanent head coach on August 25, 2019. Coincidentally his first game as gaffer came as Altitude's television dispute began, meaning most fans have struggled to watch one of the better eras of Rapids' soccer so far.

"We are thrilled to extend Robin's time with the club for another four years," said Pádraig Smith, Colorado Rapids Execute V.P. & General Manager in a news release. "Robin is one of the league's most respected and accomplished coaches, and in his short time with the team so far, we've seen how he can help lead the club in our constant pursuit of winning MLS Cup. Robin's leadership, work ethic, and ability get the best out of our players through his coaching make him the perfect fit for our club. We are incredibly excited for what the next few years holds with Robin as our head coach. Securing his long-term future with the Rapids is another sign of our ownership's commitment to not only growing the sport here in Colorado and U.S.e US but to bringing another title back to Colorado."

Fraser is a native of Kingston, Jamaica, he previously served as an assistant coach with Real Salt Lake (2007-11), head coach of Chivas USA (2011-12), assistant coach with New York Red Bulls and ) and assistant coach with ToroF.C.o FC (2015-19.)

Fraser is one of the better defenders in league history taking home MLS Defender of the Year twice along with being selected to the MLS Best XI five times during his 18-year playing career. He also earned 28 caps with the U.S. Men's National Team.

The Rapids will host a press conference at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, where Smith and Fraser are expected to give more details on the club's prospects.