Rapids captain Mastroeni to return in 2013

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. (AP) Colorado captain Pablo Mastroeni is returning to the Rapids for a 12th season in 2013.

Mastroeni is the club's career leader in games played and a veteran of two World Cups. He spent much of last season on the disabled list with concussion symptoms. He had suffered a series of head injuries dating to the 2011 season that caused him to miss games.

The 36-year-old midfielder has played in 218 games for the Rapids, whom he joined in 2002 after four seasons with the Miami Fusion. He took over from John Spencer as captain on Sept. 23, 2004, and has held that role ever since.

He led the Rapids to a victory in the 2010 MLS Cup and has made 65 appearances for the U.S. in World Cup competition.

Updated December 6, 2012