ATLANTA – Atlanta United appointed Chris Henderson as president of football and sporting director on Monday, bringing him together with team president Garth Lagerwey.
Henderson has spent the past four seasons with Inter Miami, who won the 2024 Supporters' Shield for the best regular season record in Major League Soccer with a star-studded squad led by MVP Lionel Messi.
He will now try to rebuild Atlanta, which won the MLS Cup in only its second season but has not claimed a title of any kind since 2019. In an interesting development, United pulled off a shocking upset against Miami in the playoffs this season after barely qualifying for the next round. season.
Henderson said in a statement: “I have followed this club for some time, and the club’s ambitions, on and off the field, are clear: to compete for titles every season.” “I am excited to work with Garth and play a role in helping Atlanta United build on their history of success.”
Prior to joining the Hirons, Henderson worked in the Seattle Sounders' front office for 12 years, where he helped build a team that reached the playoffs every season and captured two MLS Cup titles.
Lagerwey joined the Sounders in 2015 as general manager, forging a successful partnership with Henderson that included four appearances in the MLS title game in five years.
Atlanta will send Miami a second-round pick in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft in exchange for signing Henderson.
Atlanta United defender Pedro Amador reacts after being eliminated by Orlando City in a Major League Soccer semifinal soccer match, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Orlando, Florida. Credit: AP/John Rao
“His illustrious career and extensive experience were something we valued in this hiring process, and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search,” Lagerwey said. “He understands all the nuances that building an MLS roster brings, and I'm excited to see him play a pivotal role in helping us bring this consistent winner to Atlanta.”
United is rebuilding its leadership team after the dismissal of coach Gonzalo Pineda and technical director Carlos Bocanegra, who had been with the club since its inception.
The next step is to hire a new coach. Rob Valentino served as interim manager after Pineda was fired in June.
2024-12-16 18:39:36
