Rapids fire Pablo Mastroeni, appoint Steve Cooke on interim basis

The Colorado Rapids ran out of patience.

The Rapids announced Tuesday the club parted ways with Pablo Mastroeni and appointed Steve Cooke as head coach on an interim basis. Conor Casey and Chris Sharp will remain in their respective roles of assistant coach and goalkeeping coach.

"We would like to thank Pablo for his contributions to this organisation, both as a player and as head coach," Padraig Smith, the Rapids' sporting director and interim general manager, said. "He has been dedicated to the growth of this club for over 15 years and played an instrumental role in many of our successes.

"Unfortunately, we have fallen short of our expectations, and this decision was taken in the best interest of the players and the organisation as a whole."

Mastroeni is the fourth manager in Major League Soccer to be fired during the current season. The Argentinian tactician was appointed as the Rapids' head coach in 2014 and is leaving Colorado with 39 victories, 54 draws, and 35 losses to his name. Under his management, the club finished last or second-last every year with the exception of 2016.

During his playing days, Mastroeni represented the Rapids from 2002-12.