One year after winning MLS Cup, Rapids fire Smith

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) -- The Colorado Rapids are searching for a new coach after firing Gary Smith, who led them to their first MLS Cup a year ago.

Managing director Jeff Plush said Monday that he decided not to renew Smith's contract, which expired after this season. The Rapids were eliminated from the playoffs last week by Sporting Kansas City after a 12-9-13 regular season.

Smith had clashed with the team's technical director, Paul Bravo, and complained about the team's budget this season.

He joined the Rapids as an assistant to coach Fernando Clavijo in 2008 before taking over as interim coach for the final 11 games that season. He had a regular season record of 39-31-35.

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