MLS hires three former players for League Office roles

NEW YORK - Major League Soccer Commissioner Don Garber today appointed former MLS player and Duke University graduate Ali Curtis as the League's special assistant to the commissioner's office. Garber also announced the hiring of former MLS player and current Columbus Crew broadcaster Dante Washington and two-time MLS All-Star Mark Santel as MLS regional ambassadors.

With the addition of Curtis, Washington and Santel, 46 former MLS players have continued their careers in professional soccer with a front office or coaching position with the League and its clubs. Curtis will work on a variety of business matters emanating from the Commissioner's office. Washington and Santel will focus on establishing and maintaining connections with the grassroots soccer community in their respective regions.

"We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of former MLS players that remain passionate about growing the League and the sport of soccer," said Garber. "Ali's experience as an MLS player combined with recent tenure in the finance world gives him an invaluable perspective on our business. Mark and Dante bring a wealth of playing experience and a level of credibility that will prove invaluable as we continue to expand our efforts to connect with the growing soccer community."

Curtis will be involved in all aspects of Major League Soccer and Soccer United Marketing from expansion and corporate sponsorship to marketing and international business. He joins Major League Soccer after spending the past three years as an analyst for JPMorgan Chase.

Curtis, 28, had an outstanding college career at Duke University, where he won the Herman Trophy in his junior season and the MAC Award in his senior season, both honoring the best player in men's collegiate soccer. After graduating from Duke, Curtis was drafted second overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft by the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Following the 2001 season, he joined by D.C. United, where he tied for the team lead in scoring in 2002. Curtis concluded his MLS career in Dallas before retiring from professional soccer in 2004 with nine goals and eight assists in four seasons.

Washington and Santel will be charged with fostering relationships with prominent youth clubs, tournaments, and other targeted soccer events in Regions I and II while identifying opportunities to grow the game. In addition to working closely with the MLS Fan Development department and respective MLS club offices, Washington and Santel will also support League-initiated Player Development efforts in their roles as regional ambassadors. Two more MLS regional ambassadors, in Regions III and IV, will be appointed in the future.

After nine seasons in MLS with three teams, Dante Washington, 36, joins the league office as a regional ambassador for Region I (Mid-Atlantic/Northeast), which consists of 13 states including MLS markets Washington D.C., New York, and New England. Washington played collegiate soccer at Radford University where he was selected as a first team All-American in 1991 and was drafted by the Columbus Crew during their inaugural season in 1996. Washington played nine seasons in MLS with Columbus, Dallas and Real Salt Lake before retiring in 2005 with 57 goals and 31 assists during the regular season and playoffs. A member of the U.S. Olympic Team at the 1992 Summer Olympics, Washington also earned six caps for the senior national team and scored two goals for his country.

Santel, 39, joins MLS as a regional ambassador for Region II (Midwest), which consists of 13 states, including MLS markets Columbus, Kansas City and Chicago. He joins Major League Soccer after spending the last three years with Velocity Sports Performance and Thompson Biscuit Company. A former All-American at St. Louis University, Santel played six seasons in MLS with Dallas and Kansas City, registering seven goals and 28 assists during the regular season and playoffs. Santel, who had eight appearances with the U.S. national team, was an MLS All-Star in 1996 and 1997. In addition, former MLS players such as Eric Wynalda, Marcelo Balboa and Christopher Sullivan are employed by MLS national television broadcast partners.

Former MLS players now either coaching or working in the front office of MLS teams or working for the League Office
CHICAGO FIRE

Coaching role
Denis Hamlett

CHIVAS USA

Coaching role
Preki
Martin Vasquez

Front office role
Martin Zuniga

COLORADO RAPIDS
None

COLUMBUS CREW

Coaching role
Robert Warzycha
Mike Lapper

D.C. UNITED

Coaching role
Tom Soehn
Chad Ashton
Mark Simpson

Front office role
John Maessner
Judah Cooks
Marco Etcheverry

FC DALLAS