MLS, MLSPA Agree on New 5-Year Collective Bargaining Agreement
Feb 6, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 28: A detail of the DC United MLS logo on the sleeve of the hoe shirt in the club shop prior to the MLS match between DC United and Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on July 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
More Major League Soccer players will be eligible for free agency under the terms of a new collective bargaining agreement. The league agreed to terms on a five-year package with the Major League Soccer Players Association on Thursday.
Formal approval is still needed to make the agreement official, per Simon Borg of the MLS official website. If it goes through, the new deal will run until January 31, 2025.
Perhaps the most significant change under the agreement involves an expanded free-agency class. Borg noted how the age for eligibility has been lowered from 28 to 24, while players only need five years experience in the league to qualify, rather than the eight years of service previously required.
There are other tweaks, including "players making above the maximum salary budget, including Designated Players, will now also be eligible for free agency based on specific guidelines."
In addition to changes regarding the league's policy on the transfer of veterans, there are also fresh guidelines for the buying and selling of young players. Specifically, "MLS will have the discretion to allow clubs to sign up to three players who are 22 years old or younger on a reduced charge to a club's salary budget," beginning in 2021.
Clubs will not only have more scope when it comes to the players they can acquire. They will also enjoy greater spending power: "from $8,490,000 in 2019 to $11,643,000 in 2024. In addition, the minimum annual salary for senior roster players will increase each season to $109,200 in 2024, and 401(k) contribution and other benefits will also increase with the new CBA."
More money to spend means better chances for teams in big-market cities to secure lucrative deals to acquire marquee names from across Europe. Many top stars have made the switch during the league's existence, including David Beckham, Thierry Henry, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wayne Rooney.
One name linked this season is Arsenal playmaker Mesut Ozil. The 31-year-old has beenlinkedwith a move to DC United for a while, with Steven Goff of theWashington Post providing more details last month:
D.C. United had a representative in London on Tuesday for a meeting with players and agents that included @MesutOzil1088, a dream target first reported here last August. It seems Jan. 2021 is the earliest DCU would have a chance at him. #dcu#mls#gunners
The good news for clubs in pursuit of Ozil is that the league intends to maintain the Designated Player Rule. It allows teams to sign up to three players whose cost may exceed the limits of the salary cap, provided the club can bear the extra cost.
There are more player-specific changes involved that were detailed by the MLSPA:
Under new CBA, players see significant improvements to free agency rights, increases in compensation & continued investment in growing the sport. MORE: https://t.co/BitFpmvPThpic.twitter.com/JOJgUNbFKs
These new guidelines are timely with the league's 25th season set to start February 29. Teams are now better-equipped to build rosters to last, squads topped with star power, but underpinned by the promise of young talent. The league expanded to 26 teams this season and will add two more teams after each of the next two seasons.
Inter Miami Joint Owner Jorge Mas Confirms Talks About PSG's Edinson Cavani
Jan 31, 2020
PARIS, FRANCE - JANUARY 12: Edinson Cavani of Paris Saint Germain during the French League 1 match between Paris Saint Germain v AS Monaco at the Parc des Princes on January 12, 2020 in Paris France (Photo by Jeroen Meuwsen/Soccrates/Getty Images)
Jorge Mas, the joint owner of Inter Miami, has confirmed the club have held talks to discuss a move for Paris Saint-Germain striker Edinson Cavani.
The club, who are also part owned by former England international David Beckham, will begin competing in Major League Soccer this year and are assembling a squad for their debut season.
"We have had conversations about Cavani, but I don't want to make any comments further than that based on that he is a PSG player at the time.
"We have two of our designated spots open, so we'll see where this ends up. A lot of it depends on the window closing on Friday, so we'll see what happens.
"We'll have a great roster irrespective of our top five choices or not. We'll be bringing a great team to the south of Florida."
Cavani's contract at PSG is up in the summer, and he'd likely be available at a cut price for any suitor who could secure his signature before the transfer window shuts on Friday.
Atletico Madrid, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been linked with the Uruguayan, and the presence of loan signing Mauro Icardi at the Parc des Princes means PSG could likely afford to be without him in the final months of the campaign.
Cavani has had various fitness issues throughout the season, and he has only made 14 appearances, of which six were starts. During his brief time on the pitch, he has still managed to score five goals and contribute an assist. He only made 33 appearances in all competitions last season because of hamstring and muscle problems.
The forward will be 33 in February, but he's been one of Europe's most prolific hitmen. He joined PSG in 2013 on the back of plundering 104 goals in 138 games for Napoli, and with the Parisians he's bagged 198 in 293, as well as laying on 41 assists.
Javier Hernandez Clarifies Retirement Comments, Says It 'Could Last 10 Years'
Jan 24, 2020
CARSON, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 23: Javier
Los Angeles Galaxy striker Javier Hernandez has clarified comments he made about retirement on his YouTube channel.
Per ESPN FC's Tom Marshall, Chicharito—who has just signed for the Galaxy from Sevilla—spoke to his parents on his YouTube show Naked Humans and said his Major League Soccer move is "the beginning of retirement."
However, at his unveiling press conference, he said of the comments:
"It's so simple. I think all over the world, but [especially] in my country we love and we are like obsessed with drama and excess.
"And so when you say 'retirement' it's like 'oh, tomorrow he's going to announce retirement.'
"They didn't really listen to what I said, 'the beginning of the retirement.' The retirement could last 10 years, you never know."
The perception of MLS as a league stars head to for retirement is one the organisation likely hopes to change. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Thierry Henry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard ended their playing days in MLS after storied careers in European football.
Ageing high-profile players such as Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic—whom Hernandez is replacing—have also moved there late in their careers, although both have left the league to continue playing elsewhere.
As The Athletic's Pablo Maurer observed, Hernandez's reference to retirement was directed more at the end of his career in Europe:
There are scores of Galaxy supporters new and old welcoming him at the airport as we speak. If he stays healthy, he will tear this league up. So, you know, do your best to avoid being triggered by the "retirement league" thing. https://t.co/Mc4dEoKcWt
Marshall shared further comments from Hernandez on his European career in his press conference:
Chicharito on his time in Europe: “I did everything that I could. There were people who didn’t play me and let me express myself as I would’ve liked, but it’s part of football. I come back as a Mexican football legend, as much as some may be bothered by that.” #ElTriEng#MLS
The 31-year-old left Chivas Guadalajara for Manchester United in 2010. He made a combined 344 appearances for the Red Devils, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen, West Ham United and Sevilla, scoring 127 goals.
Sports Illustrated's Grant Wahl and former USWNT star Hope Solo praised the former Manchester United player for his openness in the video:
If you're focusing on Chicharito's "start of retirement" quote, you're living life wrong. Rare to see this kind of raw honesty from an athlete speaking to his parents at the end of a 10-year run in European soccer. pic.twitter.com/KpQAXE79nj
Beautiful and honest moment being showcased here as Chicharito ends his European career. Don’t let the full context be overshadowed by the “MLS is a retirement league” pull quote! https://t.co/LjghuFul0I
Will Parchman of The Athletic took issue with his comments, though:
Communicating that you’re giving up on a dream to come to a league that considers you one of its highest profile signings in 25 years practically minutes after you sign... it’s just hilarious optics.
Hernandez is Mexico's record goalscorer with 52 goals in 109 games, so he's sure to be a popular figure at the Galaxy.
Given his age, he could be an asset to the club and MLS for years to come. Ibrahimovic turned 38 in October, and he still managed to return 53 goals and 15 assists in 58 matches for L.A., even if his longevity does make him a slightly special case.
Hernandez hasn't been as prolific in European football as the Swede, but he's a clinical finisher, so he could have a similar impact back in North America.
Javier 'Chicharito' Hernandez Says 'It Was the Right Time' to Join LA Galaxy
Jan 21, 2020
SEVILLE, SPAIN - DECEMBER 15: Javier Hernandez Chicharito of Sevilla FC looks on during the Liga match between Sevilla FC and Villarreal CF at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on December 15, 2019 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Per Dylan Hernandez of the L.A. Times, he said: "Like when people describe me playing. You know, that he's always in the right place at the right time. It was the right time, the right opportunity."
Hernandez's arrival in the United States has been highly anticipated, as former USA international Stu Holden observed:
Football writer Zach Lowy expects him to have a significant impact on the Galaxy off the pitch:
You could make the argument that in terms of things like shirt sales, stadium attendance, TV numbers, Chicharito will make an even bigger splash than Zlatan. Surprised Chicago didn’t go for him.
The 31-year-old, who has 52 goals in 109 games for Mexico, is looking forward to playing "in front of a lot of Mexican fans, Galaxy fans, American fans."
Most importantly, he's eager simply to get on the pitch:
"I'm going to be playing. That's what I want in my life. People are going to say it was because I couldn't make it [in Europe], but sometimes in football there are things that are not in your hands.
"The last two years, the managers decided on giving confidence to other players rather than me.
"And now, the L.A. Galaxy, the manager of the club and the league, are telling me, 'Look, Javier, we want to give you all the trust, all the confidence to help us,' and that's why I'm taking this opportunity."
The striker signed with Sevilla from West Ham United in the summer, but he made just 15 appearances in all competitions, a total of 795 minutes of playing time.
Hernandez has arrived as the replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish striker left at the expiration of his contract last season, having racked up 53 goals and 15 assists for the Galaxy in 58 appearances.
Chicharito struggled to hold down a place at Sevilla, and his time with the Hammers—where he scored 17 goals in 63 games—wasn't especially memorable, either.
However, in 157 games for Manchester United—of which only 85 were starts—he contributed 59 goals and 20 assists. He also made 33 appearances in a loan spell for Real Madrid and returned nine goals and as many assists despite starting just 12 of those games.
The forward was a regular starter at Bayer Leverkusen and racked up 39 goals and nine assists in 76 appearances.
In Major League Soccer, a player as clinical as Hernandez stands an excellent chance of replicating similar goalscoring feats to Ibrahimovic.
Report: Javier Hernandez Completes LA Galaxy Transfer as MLS' Top Paid Player
Jan 17, 2020
CAMARGO, SPAIN - JANUARY 12: Chicharito of Sevilla FC during the Spanish Copa del Rey match between Um Escobedo v Sevilla at the Eusebio Arce on January 12, 2020 in Camargo Spain (Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Galaxyreportedly have completed the signing of Sevilla striker Javier Hernandez, who will become the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer.
Mike DiGiovanna of the L.A. Times reported the Galaxy have agreed a three-year deal to sign Hernandez as a replacement for Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who left at the end of last season and has rejoined AC Milan. The deal will reportedly make Hernandez the best-paid player in the league.
DiGiovanna mentioned Ibrahimovic was the highest-paid player in MLS last season on $7.2 million (£5.5 million) per year, with Toronto FC midfielder Michael Bradley second in the list on a $6.5 million (£5 million) salary.
Mexico team-mate Carlos Vela—who joined rival Los Angeles FC in January 2018—has spoken highly of his compatriot ahead of the move, per DiGiovanna: "He is a scoring machine—he's always there looking to score goals—and he does a really good job defending for his team. I think the Mexican fans would be excited."
Hernandez, 31, has scored three times in 15 appearances for Sevilla across all competitions this season, failing to win a leading role in Julen Lopetegui's plans since he joined from West Ham United in September.
ESPN's Taylor Twellman praised the Los Angeles outfit for their ability to attract headline names:
No matter the year nor the rules, the @LAGalaxy continue to be the trendsetter in @MLS with finding the NAME that will move the needle. Campos, Beckham, Zlatan and now Chicharito. #MLS#LAGalaxy
Chicharito scored 59 goals in 157 outings for Manchester United between 2010 and 2015. This transfer sees him return to North America for the first time since he left Chivas Guadalajara for Old Trafford a decade ago.
Sportswriter Manuel Veth forecast a hugely successful career in the United States for Mexico's all-time record scorer (52 goals in 109 caps):
Agree. Has the potential to be bigger than Beckham. I think a lot of people outside North America don’t understand how massive Chicharito is.
Hernandez—who will take the vacant marquee spot in the Galaxy attack—has the task of replacing Ibrahimovic, who netted 53 goals in 58 games for the club.
Manager Guillermo Barros Schelotto led the Galaxy to the Western Conference semi-finals in the 2019 MLS campaign, when they suffered a 5-3 derby defeat to LAFC.
Supporters will hope the acquisition of two-time Premier League winner Hernandez will improve their chances in similar clutch fixtures in future and catapult their silverware prospects.
MLS SuperDraft 2020: Complete Round-by-Round Results and Twitter Reaction
Jan 9, 2020
A Inter Miami CF sign hangs during the Major League Soccer expansion draft selections for Inter Miami CF on Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2019, in Miami. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
David Beckham's Inter Miami took Clemson striker Robbie Robinson with the first pick in the 2020 Major League Soccer SuperDraft on Thursday.
Inter Miami also owned the third overall pick and used it to select Georgetown skipper Dylan Nealis. The cultured defender joins the prolific Robinson to underpin a Miami squad already being built to attack at pace and score goals in bunches.
Other notable picks from the opening round included Nashville SC taking gifted centre-back Jack Maher second overall. Meanwhile, the New York Red Bulls selected powerhouse midfielder Cherif Dieye at 15, two picks before FC Dallas took natural finisher Cal Jennings.
First Round
1. Inter Miami CF: Robbie Robinson, Forward, Clemson
2. Nashville SC: Jack Maher, Defender, Indiana
3. Inter Miami CF: Dylan Nealis, Defender, Georgetown
4. Vancouver Whitecaps FC: Ryan Raposo, Midfielder, Syracuse
5. Orlando City: Daryl Dike, Forward, Virginia
6. New England Revolution: Henry Kessler, Defender, Virginia
7. Columbus Crew FC: Miguel Berry, Forward, Univ. of San Diego
Robinson showcased both a coolness in front of goal, as well as an eye for a pass, during his time in the collegiate ranks:
Confirmation of Inter’s #1 overall pick Robbie Robinson. The center forward had 18 goals and 9 assists in his last season at Clemson https://t.co/APgvCIQpFP
As for what the young attacker's role will be, Tom Bogert of the MLS official website isn't sure he'll start as a lone striker in head coach Diego Alonso's 4-2-3-1 tactical setup.
With Robinson off the board, Nashville's decision to take Maher was a no-brainer. Maher proved himself capable of being a rock at the back during a successful campaign with Indiana.
The 20-year-old's success included helping his college keep 15 clean sheets, as well as winning the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year award, per MLSSoccer.com's Nick Rosano. Maher makes the ideal building block for an expansion team needing to create a formidable spine to aid their first season in the league.
Having already added some quality to the final third, Inter followed Nashville's blueprint when it came to making the third overall pick. By tabbing Nealis, Beckham's club fortified the backline but still kept one eye on things going forward.
D.C. United became the second team to take a goalkeeper off the board when the club made Temple's Simon Lefebvre the 21st overall pick. It was an inevitable selection after Lefebvre briefly impressed D.C. in 2019, according to Steven Goff of the Washington Post:
GM Dave Kasper says Lefebvre trained with DCU first team for a few weeks last summer. They like him a lot and think he has a promising future, beginning at Loudoun.
Supporters' Shield holders Los Angeles FC also took a stopper in 6'3" Marshall goalkeeper Paulo Pita as the opening round drew to a close.
Round 2 was the moment for defending champions the Seattle Sounders to make their first picks. The Sounders took defender Danny Reynolds off the board, before snapping up playmaker Timo Mehlich with the final pick of the round.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles FC earned praised for snaring Michigan's dynamic attacking midfielder Jack Hallahan:
LAFC with a great late pick in Jack Hallahan, the talented Michigan forward. Surprised his teammate Nebojsa Popovic wasn't taken in the 1st two rounds. Popovic, Brandon Williamson, Daniele Proch and Brian Saramago the highest-rated players to go undrafted today. #SuperDraft
It means two of the best teams in the league last season already look significantly better ahead of the new campaign. As for Inter, the most high-profile of the expansion clubs has wisely put exciting, forward-thinking players at the forefront of their roster.
2020 MLS Mock Draft: 1st-Round Predictions and Full Selection Order
Jan 5, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 28: A detail of the DC United MLS logo on the sleeve of the hoe shirt in the club shop prior to the MLS match between DC United and Colorado Rapids at Audi Field on July 28, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
The 2020 MLS SuperDraft will start on Thursday with the first two rounds, with the top three picks going to expansion sides Inter Miami and Nashville SC.
Miami hold the first and third pick, obtaining the latter in a trade with Cincinnati. That gives the team plenty of options to throw the draft on its head, with four Generation Adidas underclassmen and two seniors available.
Rounds 3 and 4 of the draft will take place on January 13. For a look at the full draft order, click here.
Here is the order for the first round of the draft, with mock picks:
1. Inter Miami: Robbie Robinson
2. Nashville SC: Jack Maher
3. Inter Miami: Henry Kessler
4. Vancouver Whitecaps: Dylan Nealis
5. Orlando City: Cal Jennings
6. New England Revolution: Ryan Raposo
7. Columbus Crew: Gareth McLaughlin
8. Houston Dynamo: Alistair Johnston
9. Montreal Impact: Jack Skahan
10. Chicago Fire: Tanner Beason
11. Colorado Rapids: Aaron Molloy
12. San Jose Earthquakes: Patrick Nielsen
13. New England Revolution: Miguel Berry
14. FC Dallas: Manuel Ferriol
15. New York Red Bulls: Noah Billingsley
16. Portland Timbers: Jeremy Kelly
17. FC Dallas: Simon Lekressner
18. Minnesota United: Nkosi Burgess
19. Toronto FC: Jesus Perez
20. Real Salt Lake: Dayonn Harris
21. Philadelphia Union; Brandon Williamson
22. New York City FC: Tanner Dieterich
23. Atlanta United: Malick Mbaye
24. LAFC: Wallis Lapsley
25. Toronto FC: Nebojsa Popovic
26. Chicago Fire: Elliot Panicco
Last year's top two picks, Frankie Amaya and Siad Haji, were Generation Adidas players, with four more going in the top 10 and all in the first 20 picks. Expect more of the same in 2020, with a handful of exciting underclassmen available.
Clemson's Robbie Robinson is a strong candidate to go first overall as the top available Generation Adidas forward. Injuries held him back in 2018, but he put together a Hermann Trophy-winning campaign in 2019, bagging 18 goals and nine assists.
He credited his coaches and team-mates for his success after winning the award:
"I would like to give a big shout out to my team. I would not be in the position I am without them. They made me into the person that I am today, though my ups and downs. Without them, this would not be possible.”
A solid all-round forward with good technical ability and a strong 6'2" frame, Robinson has the tools to be a consistent contributor in MLS if he can stay healthy. While he doesn't profile as a future star, he has a high floor, health permitting.
Indiana's Jack Maher is also in the discussion at No. 1 overall and may have a higher ceiling in the long run. The 2019 Big Ten Defender of the Year has all of the physical tools to be an effective centre-back at the MLS level and has flashed his ability to pass the game as well.
He and Henry Kessler are the two top Generation Adidas centre-backs available, meaning Inter Miami should land at least one of them if they wish to build their academy from the back.
CARY, NC - DECEMBER 13: Henry Kessler #5 of University of Virginia pushes Alistair Johnston #8 of Wake Forest University off of the ball during a game between Wake Forest and Virginia at Sahlen's Stadium at WakeMed Soccer Park on December 13, 2019 in Cary
Central Florida's Cal Jennings showed plenty of growth during his collegiate career, culminating in an 18-goal season as a senior. Arguably the top poacher in this draft, he could go as early as fourth overall to Vancouver if they believe his scoring will translate to the professional level.
It's not a great draft class for goalkeepers, but Elliot Panicco, Keegan Meyer and Wallis Lapsley could all go first at the position.
Predictions: While Maher is arguably the best player available in the draft, Miami have two top-three picks to work with and will get one of the two best defensive prospects at No. 3. They take the talented Robinson first overall, allowing Nashville to scoop up Maher. Kessler joins Inter Miami as the third pick.
Patrick Vieira Shrugs off Rumours He Could Manage David Beckham's Inter Miami
Nov 29, 2019
Nice's French coach Patrick Vieira gives instructions to his players during the French Ligue Cup round of 32 football match between Le Mans FC and OGC Nice on October 30, 2019 in Le Mans. (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER / AFP) (Photo by JEAN-FRANCOIS MONIER/AFP via Getty Images)
Nice manager Patrick Vieira has dismissed speculation he could become the manager of David Beckham's new Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami.
Inter Miami, who will join MLS in 2020, are still assembling their playing and coaching staff for their debut season.
Per Goal's Chris Burton, Vieira responded to talk he could be the coach: "At the beginning of the season it was Lyon, today there is Inter Miami and tomorrow it will be Botafogo. I don't know what to say to you."
ESPN's Taylor Twellman had linked the Frenchman with the vacancy:
Patrick Vieira is the top candidate for @InterMiamiCF as their inaugural manager. They’ve had conversations with Roberto Martinez, Marcelo Gallardo, & Santiago Solari but nothing offered “formally”. Vieira with a clean slate and his say in players makes it all very intriguing.
Vieira is no stranger to MLS, having left his role as Manchester City's reserve team boss to take charge of New York City in January 2016.
He managed the club until June last year, having guided them to second in MLS' Eastern Conference in both of his full campaigns in charge. On both occasions, they lost in the Eastern Conference Playoff semi-finals.
At Nice, the Arsenal legend took them to seventh in Ligue 1 last season, although they scored just 30 goals across the entire 38-game season.
His side have struggled this season with seven defeats in their first 14 league matches, leaving them 15th in the table.
They're only three points above the relegation zone, though they're also the same distance behind sixth-place Montpellier.
SportBusiness' Bob Williams gave his thoughts on why Vieira might be reluctant to return to MLS:
Returning to MLS would essentially be a backwards career move for Vieira if his aims are to coach an elite European club.
Nice have won just once in all competitions since September 21, so Vieira will be under pressure to turn things around before they slip closer to the bottom three.
Should he be relieved of his duties in the coming weeks, a new project like Inter Miami, akin to the challenge he took on with New York City, in a league where he did quite well could hold some appeal.
However, the standard in top-level European football is much higher. If that's where Vieira wants his career to progress, he needs to prove himself in Europe rather than the United States, so returning to MLS will do him no favours.
MLS Announces 2020 All-Star Game vs. Liga MX All-Stars in Los Angeles
Nov 20, 2019
Atletico Madrid forward Diego Costa (19) pushes the ball past Minnesota United defender Romain Metanire during the second half of the MLS All-Star soccer match Wednesday, July 31, 2019, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Major League Soccer announced Wednesday the 2020 MLS All-Star Game will take place in Los Angeles and feature a matchup with the top players from Mexico's Liga MX.
The game will be held at Banc of California Stadium, the home of Los Angeles Football Club, and Kevin Baxter of the Los Angeles Times reported contest is set for July 29.
The meeting with a squad filled with players from Mexico's top division will bring an end to a 15-year run of MLS' All-Stars taking on a club from Europe in the midseason exhibition.
MLS went 7-8 in those matches, including four straight losses to close the series. Atletico Madrid scored a 3-0 victory in the 2019 edition of the event in July.
Commissioner Don Garber released astatementabout the agreements with L.A. and Liga MX:
"We are so pleased to bring the 2020 MLS All-Star Game presented by Target to Los Angeles, one of the great soccer markets in North America. As we celebrate our 25th season, we wanted to deliver an unique and unprecedented format for our annual All-Star Game. Our first ever game between the best of MLS and Liga MX's top players is the perfect way to build on the growing relationship between the two top soccer leagues in the region."
It's the latest addition to growing efforts to create a rivalry between the leagues similar to the one between the United States and Mexico on the international soccer stage. Clubs face off in the CONCACAF Champions League, Campeones Cup and Leagues Cup.
Los Angeles last hosted the All-Star Game in 2003 when the MLS defeated Mexican club Guadalajara 3-1 at Dignity Health Sports Park, the home stadium of the LA Galaxy.
The game will be broadcast on ESPN in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Thierry Henry Named Montreal Impact Head Coach
Nov 14, 2019
Monaco coach Thierry Henry watches the players as they train before the Champions League Group A soccer match between Monaco and Club Brugge at the Louis II stadium in Monaco, Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Claude Paris)
Per the Press Association (for theGuardian), Henry has signed a two-year deal with the club, which includes an option for a third.
The former Arsenal striker said he had always kept an eye on Montreal: "It's an honour to become head coach of theMontreal Impactand return toMLS. It's a league I know well in which I had some very nice moments. To be in Quebec, in Montreal, which has a huge multicultural heritage, it's extraordinary. I have always had an eye on this club and now I'm here."
Montreal stated they interviewed just one candidate for the job, a decision sports writer KristanHeneagefound curious:
I appreciate they may have been blown away by Henry’s presentation, but interviewing one candidate is crazy to me. https://t.co/buke214SXp
Henry finished his career inMLSwith New York Red Bulls after spells at Monaco,Juventus, Arsenal and Barcelona. He found most success with the Gunners, becoming the club's all-time stop scorer.
The 42-year-old moved into coaching after his playing career and became a wanted man after impressing as an assistant to Roberto Martinez with the Belgian national team. He got his first solo gig with Monaco in 2018, but he fell well short of the expectations and was sacked less than four months later.
Wilmer Cabrera coached Montreal in the past season and failed to guide the team to the play-offs. His expiring contract was not renewed.
The Impact only began playing inMLSin 2012, and they have won three Canadian Championships and advanced to the final of the 2015CONCACAFChampions League.
Montreal have not qualified for theMLSplay-offs in three straight seasons, though, finishing no higher than seventh in the conference standings.
