Major League Soccer legend Preki is back in the game.
The former Chivas USA and Toronto FC head coach has resurfaced as the man in charge of the new USL PRO team in Sacramento, a move announced on Saturday as the first step in hopes of someday landing another MLS franchise in Northern California.
Preki, 50, last coached in Major League Soccer in 2010, when he was fired from his spot in Toronto before his first full season in Canada was through. He also led Chivas USA 2007-09 after a nine-year playing career in the league that included two league MVP awards with the Kansas City Wizards.
READ: What Ever Happened to Preki?
Warren Smith, the head of the new team's ownership group, told the local media that landing Preki was “a big find for Sacramento” and that the club was shooting for a coach with name-brand recognition in the soccer world to lead them during their expansion year.
"I think it's extremely exciting times,” Preki told the media Saturday. "We're getting the opportunity to build a team from scratch. That's challenging and also really, really exciting."
The team name is expected to be announced on Thursday. Smith said he expects to make Sacramento an MLS franchise within three to five years.
"I can promise you one thing – the determination, work ethic, commitment from myself, my staff, and the people on the field … will be second to none, because I'm a winner and I hate losing," Preki told the media. "I think sports is all about winning and hopefully we can win together."
