Lesesne named to replace Rooney as MLS DC United head coach

English Woman's Journal - Lesesne named to replace Rooney as MLS DC United head coach

Weather - London 9°C

Lesesne named to replace Rooney as MLS DC United head coach

SPORTS 10.01.2024

Lesesne named to replace Rooney as MLS DC United head coach / Photo: Patrick Smith - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP/File

Troy Lesesne, who guided New York Red Bulls into last year's MLS playoffs as an interim coach, was named head coach of DC United on Wednesday, the MLS club announced.

Change text size:

The 40-year-old American replaces former England star Wayne Rooney, who parted ways with United last October by mutual agreement after 1.5 seasons as coach, twice missing the MLS playoffs.

Lesesne, who signed a three-year deal through the 2026 MLS campaign, took over as coach of the Red Bulls last May after the departure of Gerhard Struber and the team went 10-9 with four drawn after that, jumping from last in the Eastern Conference to the MLS playoffs.

After New York collected a playoff victory for the first time since 2018 by ousting Charlotte, the Red Bulls fell to Cincinnati in a best-of-three series.

Lesesne hopes to lift DC United into the MLS playoffs for the first time since 2019.

"This club has been a staple in this league since its inception in 1996," Lesesne said.

"I'm highly optimistic that we have the infrastructure and investment to reach the level the fans deserve. I know there's a lot of work ahead of us in the next few weeks as we prepare for the 2024 season and I'm looking forward to getting started."

Lesesne spent 10 years as a college assistant coach before working from 2014-2021 as an assistant and head coach for US minor-league teams, notably his first head coaching stint at New Mexico United, where he went 34-25-29 with two playoff trips and a berth in the US Open quarter-finals.

He joined the Red Bulls as an assistant coach in January 2022.

"We were thoroughly impressed with Troy during the course of the interview process," DC United general manager Ally Mackay said.

"Troy has an impressive pedigree in American soccer and has worked at all levels of the soccer pyramid in this country. We believe his high-pressing tactical approach and player-first managerial style make him the best candidate to lead this club in a new and exciting direction."

United's MLS season opener will be February 24 at home against New England.

L.Paterson--EWJ

Featured

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.

Virginia overwhelms Arkansas 91-72 behind balanced scoring

WASHINGTON (AP) — Thijs De Ridder scored 16 points, one of five players in double figures for No. 9 Virginia as the Cavaliers routed No.

Tayyab Arif hits 57 on Pakistan Test debut against Sri Lanka

RAWALPINDI, Pakistan (AP) — Tayyab Arif smashed an aggressive half-century on debut and provided a new-look Pakistan lineup a confident start to the first cricket test against Sri Lanka on Monday. The 20-year-old Tayyab struck nine boundaries and a six in his 57-run knock as Pakistan reached 137-2 at lunch on a greenish wicket that lured Sri Lanka captain Kusal Mendis to bowl first after winning the toss.

Change text size: