UPDATE: New York City FC has officially named Todd Dunivant as their new chief soccer officer, confirming the move on November 27, 2023. This urgent appointment comes after a lengthy search to replace David Lee, who left the club last month to join Sporting Kansas City.
Dunivant, 44, transitions from his role as general manager and president of Sacramento Republic, where he has excelled since 2018. His leadership propelled Sacramento into the USL Championship playoffs in nearly every season, culminating in a U.S. Open Cup final appearance in 2022. Now, he steps into a pivotal role at NYCFC following a challenging season that ended with a 5-1 defeat to Inter Miami in the Eastern Conference Finals.
This announcement highlights NYCFC’s commitment to revitalizing the team after a disappointing exit from the playoffs. The club’s CEO, Brad Sims, indicated the need for fresh perspectives during the search process, stating, “I would expect whoever we hire to come in to want to dig in and look at things differently.” Sims emphasized the importance of new ideas and viewpoints in shaping the future of the franchise.
Dunivant, a former MLS player with over 300 matches under his belt, brings a wealth of experience to NYCFC. He has won five MLS Cups and was named to the MLS Best XI in 2011. His extensive background in both on-field performance and front office strategy positions him as a strong leader to guide NYCFC into its next chapter.
The new chief soccer officer faces immediate challenges, including negotiating a new contract for homegrown talent Justin Haak and addressing the injury concerns surrounding leading scorer Alonso Martínez for the upcoming season. As NYCFC looks to rebuild and strengthen its roster, the urgency for strategic decisions has never been greater.
Just hours before Dunivant’s hiring was announced, NYCFC confirmed contract options for several players, including Nico Cavallo and Tayvon Gray, while declining the option for veteran Andrés Perea. Ongoing discussions regarding the futures of Haak and Maxi Moralez suggest that NYCFC is keen on retaining key players to enhance their competitiveness.
As this story develops, fans and stakeholders will be watching closely to see how Dunivant’s leadership influences the strategic direction of New York City FC. With the MLS season approaching, the need for decisive action and clear vision is paramount for the club’s aspirations.
Stay tuned for more updates on NYCFC and the impact of Todd Dunivant’s appointment.