MIAMI (Aug. 27, 2019) - Another former Panther is making headlines in Major League Soccer, as Robin Fraser was announced earlier this week as head coach of the Colorado Rapids.

Fraser was a star defender for the FIU men's soccer team from 1984-88, and as a freshman he helped propel the program to an NCAA Division II National Championship. He also participated in the program's first year as an NCAA Division I team after they were elevated for the 1987 season.  

"I'm extremely proud of the years I spent at FIU," said Fraser. "So much of what I've learned over the years really started there and has carried me throughout my professional career, and ultimately I still think about lessons I learned there as I now move into my new job at the Colorado Rapids."

During the FIU men's soccer team's first two years at the Division I level, Fraser was named a Second Team All-American following the 1987-88 campaigns, and as a senior he was a finalist for the Hermann Trophy — the highest individual honor awarded in collegiate soccer. Fraser garnered three NSCAA All-South Region selections (1986-88), a Florida Player of the Year Award (1988), and three All-Florida Team honors (1986-88) while representing the Panthers.

The former FIU great has pieced together a highly decorated career within the soccer universe, accomplishing numerous professional feats as both a player and a coach. He was known as a top MLS defender during his 10 seasons in the league from 1996-2005 and boasts two MLS Defender of the Year Awards (1999, 2004), along with five appearances on the MLS All-Star Team and MLS Best XI. In 1996, Fraser became the LA Galaxy's first-ever pick in the Inaugural Player Draft after being selected fourth overall. His time as an MLS player spanned 260 games with the Galaxy, Colorado Rapids, and Columbus Crew SC. Additionally, Fraser made 27 appearances for the U.S. Men's National Team from 1988-2001.

As a coach Fraser has nearly 13 MLS seasons on his resume, serving as an assistant for Real Salt Lake and the New York Red Bulls, while also functioning as head coach of Chivas USA from 2011-12. Prior to being named head coach of the Rapids, Fraser had been serving as an assistant coach for Toronto FC since 2015.

"I'm thrilled to be back with the Colorado Rapids and eager to lead this club forward into what I believe can be a successful period in the club's history," said Fraser in a statement released through the Rapids. "I consider Colorado to be home, I've played here, coached here and I know the soccer community in this state. I'm committed to the club's vision and I'm excited to work with this strong group of players and especially the nucleus of young, talented players we have at the club."

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Fraser is a Miami homegrown talent who attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School prior to FIU. Following his collegiate career, Fraser played for the Miami Sharks of the American Soccer League from 1988-99.

With the help of Fraser, FIU and the city of Miami continue to make a name for themselves in American soccer. 

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