Pablo Mastroeni has signed a new contract to remain manager of the Colorado Rapids, sources have told ESPN FC, and the deal could be officially announced as soon as Wednesday.
Mastroeni's contract was set to expire at the end of 2016, but now the Rapids have locked him up for another three years.
After being named Colorado's manager in 2014, Mastroeni struggled through two difficult campaigns. But with the help of new players such as Shkelzen Gashi, Tim Howard and Jermaine Jones, Mastroeni revived Colorado's fortunes in 2016, leading the team to a second place finish in the Western Conference during the regular season and then reaching the Western Conference Championship.
Along the way Mastroeni instilled a gritty, defense-first style that saw the Rapids concede just 32 goals, the best mark in MLS this season. He finished second in the balloting for MLS Coach of the Year behind FC Dallas manager and former Colorado head coach Oscar Pareja. Mastroeni's overall record now stands at 26-35-25.
As a player, Mastroeni spent 12 seasons with Colorado, and captained the Rapids to the 2010 MLS Cup title. In all he made 361 league and playoff appearances in MLS over a 17-year career that also included stints with Miami Fusion and LA Galaxy.
He also made 65 appearances for the U.S. national team and was part of the 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads.