Colorado Rapids Soccer Club announced today that former striker Conor Casey has rejoined the club as First Team Assistant Coach.

“Going into the offseason, it was a priority for us to find someone with strong ties to this club and our community,” said President Tim Hinchey. “We’re confident that Conor’s domestic and international playing experience will help the team as we continue to prepare for the upcoming season. On behalf of everyone at the Rapids, I’m delighted to welcome Conor back to Colorado.”

Casey returns to Colorado seven years after helping the club hoist its first-ever MLS Cup in 2010, where he earned MLS Cup MVP honors after notching the game-tying goal in the 57th minute. The Rapids would go on to beat FC Dallas 2-1 in extra time.

Casey will also be reunited with former teammate and current Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni. The two played together during all of Casey’s playing days in Commerce City.

“I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Conor for over a decade, both personally and professionally. His understanding of the game and team-first mentality will be a great asset both on and off the field,” said Head Coach Pablo Mastroeni. “I’m excited to see him begin his coaching career here with the Rapids and I’m convinced he will have an immediate and positive impact with the club.”

Following an illustrious 10-year career in Major League Soccer, the two-time MLS All-Star announced his retirement on October 27, 2016 having played for Toronto FC, Rapids, Philadelphia Union and Columbus Crew SC.

Casey is currently tied for 23rd all-time in regular season goals in Major League Soccer with 71. He scored 50 of those goals for the Rapids from 2007-12, which also ranks him as the club’s all-time leading scorer. In 2009, he made the MLS Best XI after notching 16 goals and one assist.

After six seasons in Colorado, Casey joined the Philadelphia Union prior to the 2012 season. In his first season with the Union, Casey registered his fourth double-digit scoring season with 10. In total, the former USMNT international scored 21 goals in 70 appearances for Philadelphia. Last season, Casey battled multiple injuries that only saw him appear in four contests for the Columbus Crew SC.

Casey began his professional career playing for German club Borussia Dortmund, where he scored twice in 10 games with the reserve team. During the 2001-02 season, Casey was loaned to Hannover 96, helping the team win promotion to the Bundesliga by tallying seven goals in 19 appearances. While in Germany, Casey would score a total of 41 goals in 93 matches for Dortmund, Hannover 96, Karlsruhe SC and Mainz 05.

Internationally, Casey represented the United States Men’s National Team 19 times. His debut for the USMNT was on March 31, 2004 against Poland. His two international goals for the Stripes and Stars would come on October 10, 2009 in a World Cup qualifier against Honduras. Casey was also a member of the 2000 U.S. Olympic team that finished fourth at the summer games in Sydney.

The Rapids kick off their 2017 MLS regular season on Saturday, March 4 against the New England Revolution at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park (4:00 p.m. MT). For more information or to purchase tickets, click HERE, or call 303-825-GOAL.