Claudio Reyna Leaves NYCFC to Join Austin FC

 New York City FC today announced that Sporting Director Claudio Reyna will be taking up a new challenge with MLS expansion club Austin FC. Technical Director David Lee has been promoted to become NYCFC’s new Sporting Director.

Claudio joined NYCFC in 2013 as the Club’s first employee and was instrumental in building it from the ground up. Under his leadership, NYCFC qualified for the playoffs in four consecutive seasons, tallied the most cumulative points in the regular season of all MLS teams since 2016 and recently qualified for the Concacaf Champions League for the first time in Club history.

In his time at the Club, NYCFC has taken home three major Academy trophies – the 2017 U-17 Generation adidas Cup and both the 2018 & 2019 U-19 U.S. Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) National Championships. NYCFC was the first Club to have its Academy’s U-19 team win back-to-back USSDA Championships.

Claudio Reyna said: “After five seasons as the Sporting Director for New York City FC, I’ve decided to accept the exciting opportunity to once again be part of an expansion club. This has been an extremely difficult decision for me and my family. NYCFC is such a special place and being Sporting Director of this great Club has been one of the most enjoyable and proud moments in my career.

“We’ve accomplished incredible things as a Club both on and off the field. Not only have we created an exceptionally talented First Team that has improved every season, we’ve developed our Academy into one of the most talented and competitive in the country.

“I’d like to thank everyone here at NYCFC; our players, Sporting Department, support staff and the front office. It’s been a tremendous honor and I cherish the memories and friends I’ve made over the last six years.

‘’I couldn’t be happier for David Lee to take over the position of Sporting Director. David and I have worked hand in hand over the last six years and he is without doubt one of the most talented and well-respected executives in the league. Under David’s leadership, and with this continuity, I know the Sporting Department and team will continue to go from strength to strength.

“Finally, thank you to the fans. I’ve enjoyed meeting so many of you and you always support the team with such passion. The future of New York City FC is extraordinarily bright. I’ll always be a fan and I know the Club will continue to grow and make a huge impact in NYC.”