Atlanta United enjoy hired Chris Henderson as chief soccer officer and sporting director, the membership introduced Monday.
The longtime MLS front-office executive arrives after serving as Inter Miami CF’s chief soccer officer and sporting director from 2021-24. Henderson additionally spent 2008-20 with Seattle Sounders FC, the achieve apart he worked closely with Atlanta CEO/president Garth Lagerwey.
Henderson’s role helps change Carlos Bocanegra, who changed into brushed apart in September. In replace for Henderson, the Five Stripes despatched Inter Miami a second-spherical opt in the 2026 MLS SuperDraft.
“Chris has experience building consistent, winning teams in this league and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the club as our new sporting director,” acknowledged Lagerwey.
“His illustrious career and vast experience was something we valued in this hiring process and he was someone who immediately rose to the top of our search. He understands all the nuances that MLS roster building brings and I’m excited to see him play a pivotal role in helping us bring that consistent winner to Atlanta.”
Successful abilities
While at Miami, Henderson helped compose the roster that won Leagues Cup 2023, the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Protect and role the MLS single-season capabilities anecdote (74). He is credited with navigating league principles and intricacies, setting the stage for Lionel Messi’s transformative arrival in July 2023.
Henderson worked with Seattle from their MLS expansion days by way of their 2020 Concacaf Champions Cup-a success season, forming a fruitful partnership with Lagerwey. He additionally shaped Sounders groups that won two MLS Cups, one Supporters’ Protect and four US Open Cup titles.
The worn USMNT and MLS midfielder brings bigger than 17 years of front-office abilities, a success 9 trophies all the absolute best way by way of Seattle and Miami.
“I want to thank Arthur M. Blank and Garth Lagerwey for giving me the opportunity to come to Atlanta and I’m excited to begin this new journey in my career,” Henderson acknowledged.
“I’ve followed this club for a while now and the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch, are clear and that’s to compete for trophies every single season. I’m excited to get to work with Garth and to play a role in helping Atlanta United build on its history of success.”
Henderson builds champions 🏆#UniteAndConquer pic.twitter.com/3z7Vuiq21I
— Atlanta United FC (@ATLUTD) December 16, 2024
Opportunity calls
In Atlanta, Henderson steps into a likelihood-rich space. The membership has two launch Designated Player spots, U22 Initiative flexibility and a head coach opening – all after making the Japanese Convention Semifinals in the Audi 2024 MLS Cup Playoffs.
The Five Stripes are traditionally considered one of many absolute best-spending groups in the league and device among the crucial league’s biggest crowds to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta won MLS Cup in 2018.
