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MLS Columbus Crew SC

Columbus Crew Assistant Coach Ezra Hendrickson Set to Join Chicago Fire FC as Head Coach

November 24, 2021 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


COLUMBUS - Columbus Crew today announced that following three seasons with the Black & Gold, Assistant Coach Ezra Hendrickson has departed the Club and is set to join Chicago Fire FC as its next Head Coach. Hendrickson joined the Crew as an assistant coach on July 3, 2019.

"We want to congratulate Ezra on being named Head Coach of Chicago Fire FC," said Columbus Crew President & General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko. "When we added Ezra to our First Team coaching staff, we knew that we were getting someone with vast experience who would help prepare our players to succeed and excel on the pitch. As a club, we strive to have the best possible staff, and Ezra's recent appointment speaks to the quality of his work while with us. We are grateful for Ezra's services to the Crew and the success he helped bring to our Club over the last three seasons. We know that he will continue to showcase his leadership abilities in Chicago and wish him the best of luck."

During his time with the Black & Gold, Hendrickson helped the Club win the 2020 MLS Cup as well as the 2021 Campeones Cup - the first international trophy in Crew history.

"I would like to thank Ezra for his valuable contributions to the Club during his three seasons with us," said Columbus Crew Head Coach Caleb Porter. "Ezra's impact working with our back line was a key in helping us reach our goals of winning MLS Cup last season and Campeones Cup this year. Becoming a head coach in MLS had been a goal of his and I am happy that he has earned this opportunity. I could not be prouder to have played a part in helping him take the next step in his coaching career and I have no doubt that he will be successful in his new role. I wish him all the best and look forward to our continued friendship."

Hendrickson began his coaching career with Seattle Sounders FC, where he served as an assistant coach for Sigi Schmid from 2009-2014 before becoming the head coach of Seattle's second team, Seattle Sounders FC 2, from 2015-2017. During his time with the Sounders, Hendrickson helped the club win a Supporters' Shield (2014) and four Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup titles (2009, 2010, 2011, 2014). Following his time in Seattle, he worked as an assistant coach with the LA Galaxy during the 2018 season. In addition to his coaching experience in MLS, Hendrickson also served as an assistant coach for the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Team from 2015-2018.

A former professional player, Hendrickson was a member of the Black & Gold squad that won MLS Cup and the Supporters' Shield in 2008. In all, the Vincentian made 266 appearances (225 starts) in MLS regular-season action, scoring 23 goals and providing 30 assists while winning one Concacaf Champions' Cup (2000), three MLS Cups (2002, 2004, 2008), three Supporters' Shields (1998, 2002, 2008) and one Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. During his time in MLS, Hendrickson played for the Crew (2006-2008), Chivas USA (2005-2006), D.C. United (2004), Dallas Burn (2003), the LA Galaxy (1997-2003) and the New York MetroStars (1997).

The Black & Gold are set to open the 2022 MLS season by hosting Vancouver Whitecaps FC at Lower.com Field on Saturday, February 26 at 3:30 p.m. ET. Supporters interested in securing Season Ticket Memberships for the 2022 MLS season can do so by visiting columbuscrew.com/tickets/memberships.

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