Official release from Colorado Rapids

The Colorado Rapids announced on Thursday that Oscar Pareja has been named the Head Coach of the Major League Soccer franchise.

The native of Medellin, Colombia has served more than five years on the coaching staff at FC Dallas and made 189 appearances in his MLS career, as well as earning 11 caps with the Colombian National Team.

"I am honored to join such a great organization like the Colorado Rapids, and want to thank everyone at Kroenke Sports & Entertainment for the opportunity." said Pareja.

"This is a dream come true, and I am excited to get started at the Player Combine this weekend and the SuperDraft next week. We already have a great team and everyone is optimistic about what we can achieve this season and beyond. I also want to express my most sincere thanks and gratitude to Clark and Dan Hunt and everyone at the FC Dallas organization, who have all played a huge part in my career and life since 1998."

Pareja takes the reins from Gary Smith, who spent three-and-a-half-years as Rapids coach, delivering them the 2010 MLS Cup.

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