Chivas USA today announced that it has signed 2007 MLS Coach of the Year Preki Radosavljevic to a new multi-year contract. The move comes after the 44-year-old led Chivas USA to a 15-7-8 record (W-L-T) and first place in Major League Soccer's Western Conference during the 2007 regular season, Preki's first as a head coach at the professional level. Per club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We are pleased to secure Preki's leadership ahead of this important era for Chivas USA," said club President and CEO Shawn Hunter. "Throughout his career, Preki has proven himself to be a winner and we know he will continue to show his intense focus as head coach. This is an exciting time for Chivas USA as we debut in international tournaments like SuperLiga."
Preki was named Chivas USA's fourth Head Coach on January 17, 2007 after serving as assistant to then-Chivas USA manager and current U.S. National Team coach Bob Bradley. The native of Belgrade, Serbia has enjoyed success as both a player and a manager during his professional soccer career: After joining MLS from England's Premier League, Preki went on to become the league's only two-time MVP and one of the most spectacular attacking players in MLS history. On Nov. 7, 2007, Preki was named MLS's Coach of the Year after leading Chivas USA to a 15-7-8 record (W-L-T) and first place in the Western Conference during the 2007 season.
Chivas USA opens camp in late January 2008 ahead of its historic fourth MLS campaign. The Red-and-White kick off their 2008 MLS season on March 30 at FC Dallas before playing their 2008 Home Opener against fellow Class of '05 expansion side Real Salt Lake on Saturday, April 5 at The Home Depot Center. For tickets or more information, please call 1-877-CHIVAS-1 or visit www.cdchivasusa.com.
