Former Revolution coach Fernando Clavijo dies at 63

Former New England Revolution coach Fernando Clavijo died Friday after a five-year battle with multiple myeloma. Clavijo was 63 when he passed at his Florida home.

Clavijo had a 20-year playing career that featured stops in San Diego, Los Angeles, and St. Louis. His 61 appearances with the US Men’s National Team were headlined by three starts at the 1994 World Cup.

Upon retirement, Clavijo became a coach, serving first as an assistant before taking the top job at several clubs. He was named the Revolution’s head coach in 2000 and guided them to the 2001 U.S. Open Cup Final. Clavijo left the Revs in 2003 to coach Haiti’s national team. but returned to MLS in 2005 to lead the Colorado Rapids. In 2008, Clavijo resigned as the Rapids’ head coach.

Clavijo joined the front office of FC Dallas in 2012, serving as the club’s Technical Director, a position he held for six years.

The Revs issued a statement on Twitter, saying, “The Revolution are saddened by the passing of Fernando Clavijo, who served as our head coach from 2000-2002. His significant impact on the sport of soccer will long be felt and we are grateful for all his contributions. Our prayers and condolences are with his family & friends.”

The staff at The Bent Musket would also like to extend our thoughts to the family and friends of Clavijo.