HARRISON, NJ – The New York Red Bulls have appointed former Canadian captain Julian de Guzman as their new sporting director.
The 42-year-old de Guzman was most recently founder, managing partner and president of Simcoe Rovers County FC, a League1 club in Ontario. He was previously GM of the now-defunct Ottawa Fury.
“Julian brings a wealth of experience, not only in our league, but also from abroad,” Red Bulls sports director Jochen Schneider said in a statement. “His focus on our coaching staff, our players, our second team and our academy will help us move forward.”
“Julian was always a leader, on and off the field,” Schneider added. “His experience will be invaluable to our organization.”
De Guzman’s 19-year professional career included stints in France, Germany, Spain and Greece, as well as in Major League Soccer.
He came home in 2009 and joined Toronto FC as the league’s first Canadian designated player in league history. He made 93 career appearances for TFC before joining them FC Dallas in 2012.
He finished his playing career with Ottawa, where he served as club captain and, in his final season in 2016, as reserve team coach. In 2017, he moved to coach the team.
De Guzman won 89 caps for Canada, including 25 appearances as captain.
“I am proud and honored to be part of this prestigious organization,” said de Guzman. “The New York Red Bulls are an exemplary football model in North America and I am very motivated to achieve great things with this team. I can’t wait to be part of the family.”
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This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 2, 2024
The Canadian Press
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