[MLS SPOTLIGHT] Former MLS Best XI defender Greg Vanney has been hired by Toronto FC as its assistant general manager anddirector of the Toronto FC KIA Academy.
Vanney, who started RSL AZ at Grande Sports World — the first MLS residential academy — and worked with Chivas USA and the LA Galaxy, replacesveteran Dutch coach Thomas Rongen as director of the TFC academy.
“Greg is a visionary when it comes to player development,” saidToronto FC General Manager Tim Bezbatchenko in a statement. “He shares our club’s passion for innovation and is an educator of both players and coaches.We are pleased to welcome him to Toronto FC.”
Vanney, 39, played six seasons with the Galaxy, beginning with the inaugural MLS season in 1996, fourseasons with Corsican club Bastia in France’s Ligue 1 and finished up with stints at four MLS clubs.
Vanney most recently served as the head coach for Galaxy’s U-14 academy team andtechnical director of LA Galaxy South Bay. He is also currently taking part in the Elite Formation Coaching License program, a development course partnered by MLS and the French soccerfederation.
Rongen, who coached in MLS at Tampa Bay, New England, D.C. United and Chivas USA, joined TFC after serving as the U.S. under-20national team coach at three U-20 World Cups.