Nelson Rodríguez / Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations
As Executive Vice President of Competition, Technical and Game Operations, Nelson Rodríguez, who has been with Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing since 2000, is responsible for all on-field competition and technical matters. Rodríguez supervises the League's soccer technical development, oversees League-wide game operations, disciplinary matters and expands the League's scouting capabilities. Rodriguez also serves as the League liaison with MLS coaches and club technical directors on game-related matters.
In addition to the above, he supervises supporter relations, safety and security, team travel and the League’s growing sports medicine initiatives. Over the last few years, the League has developed a traveling liaison policy, supporter steward program and a return to play concussion protocol.
In previous roles within MLS, Rodríguez served as Senior Vice President of Strategic Business Development, where he worked closely with the Commissioner’s Office in areas such as strategic planning, new business development and alliance development.
Rodríguez also served as Senior Vice President of SUM International. In that role, he managed the acquisition and development of SUM properties such as the Mexican National Team’s annual U.S. Tour, the CONCACAF Gold Cup, FC Barcelona Tour, InterLiga, SuperLiga and the Pan-Pacific Championship. Rodríguez also led SUM International’s expansion into the area of business operations and competition consultancy.
Before joining MLS in 2000, Rodríguez served as Director of Soccer Operations for the MetroStars from 1998-1999. He assisted the General Manager and Head Coach in the running of the club including selection of team staff and the organization of international tours and team travel. During his time with the MetroStars, Rodríguez assisted in the staging of several exhibition matches at the club’s home facility, Giants Stadium.
Rodríguez accumulated experience on the field as well, leading the Men’s Soccer team at Lafayette College as Head Coach between 1995 and 1997. He took his team to the 1995 NCAA “Sweet Sixteen,” the first ever tournament appearance in program history.
Among his other management roles in the sport, Rodríguez was a member of the local organizing committee for the New Jersey venue at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, assisting the Venue Executive Director and FIFA officials and dignitaries.
A native of New Jersey, Rodríguez is fluent in Spanish and holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Rutgers University. He resides in New Jersey with his wife and four children.