Claudio Lopez returns to Rapids as director of soccer

• by Soccer America , Dec 21, 2014

Claudio Lopez, who played for Argentina in the 1998 and 2002 World Cups, has returned to the Colorado Rapids in the role of director of soccer. He had closed out his pro career with three seasons in MLS, the last at Colorado in 2010.

"I talked this move over with my family and friends, and decided that -- because we felt very well during our stay in Colorado -- we would be very happy to come back to Denver and try to help the Rapids," said Lopez in a statement.

He will be reunited with head coach Pablo Mastroeni with whom he played on the Rapids' 2010 MLS championship team.

Lopez is the second addition to the Rapids' front office under VP of soccer operations Paul Bravo. Irishman Padraig Smith has arrived as sporting director.

"What I can do is support Pablo, and support the guys, and try to push the players to do better things in the field," added Lopez. "I can help to change a few things, also, which may help to have a better season next year."