Fernando Clavijo had plenty of time to think during the long flights between Colorado and his native Uruguay.

After facing an unfortunate family situation once he landed in his homeland, Clavijo realized his focus on Major League Soccer was not at the level it needed to be for the Rapids' stretch run.

Clavijo's tenure as Colorado's head coach ended Wednesday, when he and the Rapids agreed to part ways after three-plus seasons. Clavijo missed Saturday's 2-1 victory against Kansas City to attend to a family medical situation in Uruguay and, after mulling the matter, both sides agreed it was best to part ways.

Former assistant Gary Smith, who filled in for Clavijo on Saturday, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

"There are a lot of things I need to address with my family," Clavijo said. "When I look at everything else, (the team) doesn't need the distraction for the last 10 games of the season. I could have taken a leave of absence, but I do not believe it was in the best interests for myself, and I don't think that was in the best interests of the team. Right now, my only consideration is for my kids in Florida and my family back in Uruguay."

Including Saturday's win, Clavijo ends his tenure with a 40-49-25 record. He led the Rapids to a berth in the Western Conference finals in 2005 and 2006, but after missing the playoffs last year and underachieving for much of 2008, Clavijo, whose contract was set to expire after this season, already faced an uncertain future.

Smith officially begins his career as an MLS head coach on Saturday, when the Rapids visit DC United to begin the 10-game stretch drive toward the playoffs. With the league's two at-large playoff berths seemingly destined to come out of the Eastern Conference, the Rapids will need to finish within the top three of the Western Conference to reach the postseason.

Colorado is tied for fourth place with 24 points, one behind FC Dallas and four behind conference-leading Houston.

Clavijo, who has endured the deaths of several family members while he has been coaching in the MLS, reiterated that his contract situation did not weigh much in his decision.

Managing director Jeff Plush said the team has had no discussions with Smith regarding his status beyond this season.

"The only discussions we have had have been about getting ready for DC United," Plush said. "I think it is best for everyone this is resolved, but especially the players."