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MLS New York Red Bulls

New York Red Bulls, Gerhard Struber Mutually Agree to Part Ways

May 8, 2023 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
New York Red Bulls News Release


HARRISON, N.J. (May 8, 2023) - The New York Red Bulls and Gerhard Struber have mutually agreed to part ways.

Assistant Coach Bernd Eibler has also departed the club.

"I enjoyed my time at the New York Red Bulls," Struber said, "It was also clear for me that I wanted to return to Europe at the end of this season, at the latest. It was extremely difficult for me to live here, completely without my family. I informed the club early enough about my wishes and we came to the agreement to part ways. I wish the organization and the players the best of luck moving forward. I've enjoyed getting to know the players, staff and know my relationships I've built will continue. It was an honor to lead this club. I know they are all going to continue to accomplish great things in their careers."

Struber joined the Red Bulls in 2020 and helped guide them to the playoffs in '21 and '22, setting the current active streak for most playoff appearances by an MLS club. Among active MLS head coaches in 2021, Struber was one of the few coaches to qualify for the playoffs in their first full season in charge. In 2022, Struber led New York to new franchise records in away wins (9) and away points earned (30). He helped lead the club to the semifinals of the 2022 US Open Cup tournament.

"We thank Gerhard and Bernd for their work and commitment to our club and wish them well in their next endeavors," Head of Sport Jochen Schneider said. "I want to especially thank Gerhard for his dedication to this club and for the personal sacrifices that he made, especially being away from his family. He led our players through a difficult time, keeping everyone in good spirits while continuing our playoff streak. After many discussions with Gerhard over the past few weeks, we mutually came to the agreement that a change now would be beneficial for both parties."

Troy Lesesne has been named Head Coach through the end of the 2023 MLS season.

Lesesne, a West Columbia, South Carolina native, previously served as Head Coach and Technical Director of the United Soccer League Championship club New Mexico United before joining RBNY in 2022.

"Troy is an impressive, knowledgeable coach, who has worked incredibly well with our players for the last year and half," Schneider said. "We are fortunate to have him lead our team forward."

Lesesne was New Mexico's first head coach and technical director when the club entered the USL in 2018 and during Lesesne's three-year stint with New Mexico they made two playoff appearances, and he was named 2020 USL Co-Coach of the Year.

Lesesne spent one season with the Charleston Battery as an assistant coach and worked closely with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, as Charleston and the Whitecaps had a partnership agreement.

Before coaching at the professional ranks, Lesesne spent nine years as an assistant coach for the College of Charleston, where he helped guide the program to a 82-76-14 mark as well as a Southern Conference regular season title and a second round NCAA Tournament appearance in 2010. Lesesne holds his USSF A Coaching License and a NSCAA Premier Diploma.

Goalkeepers coach Jyri Nieminen remains on the coaching staff.

Schneider and Lesesne will be made available for a hybrid press conference at Red Bull Arena on Monday afternoon.

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