Martin Vasquez is back on the US Soccer scene.
Seven months after his dismissal as Chivas USA head coach, Vasquez was introduced as the new technical director of the Chicago Magic on Thursday.
One of the most prominent youth clubs in the country, the Chicago Magic competes in the USSF Development Academy League at the U-16 and U-18 level. Vasquez will oversee the technical operations of the club from top to bottom.
"The Magic has the players, personnel, facilities, professional partners and support to become a new national model or standard," Vasquez said in a press release. "It is refreshing to work with the best in young talent and offer the things I have been fortunate enough to gain in my years as a player and coach at several levels."
Vasquez was named coach of Chivas USA ahead of the 2010 season, replacing Preki. Under Vasquez's stewardship, the Goats struggled, and he was let go after the club finished in last place in the Western Conference with a 8-18-4 record. Vasquez's résumé also includes stints as an assistant coach for Bayern Munich and the LA Galaxy. His coaching career was preceded by a lengthy playing career in both the United States and Mexico.
The Magic have developed more than a few MLS and international pros. Ricardo Clark, Eric Lichaj, Brad Guzan, and Perry Kitchen are among their more prominent alumni.
In conjunction with the addition of Vasquez, the Magic also announced that US Soccer technical advisor Louis Mateus would join as head coach and director of Chicago’s USSF Development Academy teams.
"We could not be more fortunate to have Louis and Martin join us this year.” Magic president Tom Rubio said in a press release. “They have a great rapport with the coaches and players and will offer the best in organizational skills off the field and quality of play on the field we could find.”
