Chivas USA Head Coach Preki Leaves Club By Mutual Agreement
November 12, 2009 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Club Deportivo Chivas USA News Release
CARSON, Calif. (Thursday, Nov. 12, 2009) - Chivas USA announced today that Head Coach Preki has left the club by mutual agreement. Preki, whose contract with Chivas USA expires at the end of this year, will pursue other coaching opportunities, and Chivas USA will immediately begin its search for the club's next head coach.
"Preki has brought a great deal of success to this team, and is an important part of our history," said Chivas USA Vice President of Soccer Operations Stephen Hamilton. "His dedication and expertise have led us to the playoffs in each of his seasons here, and we owe him our thanks for all he has given the club. We wish him the very best as he moves into the next phase of his coaching career."
Preki Radosavljevic was named Chivas USA's fourth Head Coach on Jan. 17, 2007, replacing former Chivas USA boss Bob Bradley, after serving as assistant to Bradley during the 2006 MLS season. A two-time MLS Most Valuable Player and one of the most prolific attacking players in league history, Preki earned MLS Coach of the Year honors in 2007, his first season as a head coach at the professional level. He qualified for the playoffs in each of his three seasons in charge of the Red-and-White, and is the longest-serving Head Coach in team history.
"It has been an honor to be a part of the Chivas USA family for the last four years," said Preki. "In my time here I have grown as a coach, and I am proud of our accomplishments. While I am excited to take the next step in my career, I will always have good memories of my time with Chivas USA."
In his three years as Head Coach of Chivas USA, Preki posted a career record of 40-29-21 (W-L-T) and a winning percentage of.561, the top mark in club history. The team captured the top spot in the Western Conference in the 2007 regular season, with a 15-7-8 record, missing out on the Supporters Shield by just two points. In addition to winning the 2007 MLS Coach of the Year award, several players have won individual MLS awards under Preki, including Brad Guzan (Goalkeeper of the Year, 2007), Sacha Kljestan (MLS Best XI, 2008), and Zach Thornton (Goalkeeper of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year, 2009).
Chivas USA will train on Friday and Monday at 10:00 a.m. PT on Field 6 at The Home Depot Center, with Assistant Coach Carlos Llamosa directing the team's practice sessions until the club names a head coach. The Red-and-White kick off the 2010 season on Sunday, March 21 against the Colorado Rapids. For information on Chivas USA Season Seat packages for 2010, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit cdchivasusa.com.
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