The Colorado Rapids have appointed Anthony Hudson as its new head coach, the club announced Wednesday.
Hudson, 36, becomes the eight boss in Rapids’ history, succeeding interim manager Steve Cooke, who took the helm after the firing of Pablo Mastroeni.
“This is a very special moment for the Rapids,” said Sporting Director and Interim General Manager Padraig Smith in a statement released by the club.
“In Anthony, we believe we’ve hired one of the most promising young talents and we’re extremely grateful for the support shown by the Kroenke family and the KSE executive team who remain committed to our goal of bringing another MLS Cup to Colorado.”
Hudson, a Seattle, Wash. native, managed the New Zealand national team from 2014 to 2017, leading the All-Whites to the 2018 FIFA World Cup intercontinental playoffs before losing to Peru.
“It’s an exciting moment and a wonderful opportunity,” said Hudson in the statement.
“From the start, I was impressed by the club’s culture, front office and vision for the future. I believe we share a philosophy, and now it’s just a matter of going out and getting the results that both this club and community deserve.”
The Rapids missed out on the 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs, finishing 11th in the Western Conference after reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2016.
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