NYCFC Names Todd Dunivant Chief Soccer Officer in Urgent Move

BREAKING: New York City FC has officially appointed Todd Dunivant as the club’s new chief soccer officer, confirming the move just hours ago. Dunivant, who previously served as general manager and president of Sacramento Republic, takes over amidst a critical phase for the MLS club following a disappointing exit from the playoffs.

The decision to bring Dunivant into the fold comes after a thorough search to replace David Lee, who left NYCFC in October to join Sporting Kansas City. Dunivant, aged 44, is set to lead the team following a season that ended with a staggering 5-1 loss to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals.

NYCFC CEO Brad Sims had indicated in November that the club was narrowing down its finalists, emphasizing the need for “fresh eyes” and innovative approaches. “I would expect whoever we hire to come in to want to dig in and look at things differently,” Sims stated, highlighting the urgency of the situation.

Dunivant arrives with an impressive background, having played over 300 matches in MLS, winning five MLS Cups during his career with teams like the San Jose Earthquakes and LA Galaxy. His executive tenure at Sacramento Republic saw the team reach the playoffs in nearly every season under his leadership, including a runner-up finish in the U.S. Open Cup in 2022.

As he steps into his new role, Dunivant faces immediate challenges, including finalizing contracts for homegrown star Justin Haak and addressing the injury of leading scorer Alonso Martínez. This latest development is crucial for NYCFC as they prepare for the upcoming season, aiming to rebuild and improve after a tough playoff exit.

Just today, NYCFC also announced contract options for several players, including Nico Cavallo and Maxi Moralez, while declining the option for Andrés Perea, with ongoing discussions about his future. The urgency to solidify the roster is palpable as the club looks to regain momentum.

Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how Dunivant’s vision will reshape the team, and the immediate decisions he will make could significantly impact NYCFC’s trajectory in the league. As this story develops, stay tuned for updates on Dunivant’s plans and the club’s moves leading into the new season.