Todd Dunivant Takes the Helm as NYCFC’s Chief Soccer Officer

New York City FC (NYCFC) has officially appointed Todd Dunivant as their new Chief Soccer Officer, succeeding David Lee. This significant move comes as the team looks to build on its recent performance in Major League Soccer (MLS).

Transition from Sacramento Republic

Dunivant, 44, previously served as the General Manager of Sacramento Republic FC in the USL Championship, a position he has held since 2018. He expanded his role to include team president in 2020, emphasizing his leadership capabilities in the club’s front office.

An Accomplished Player Turned Executive

Before moving into management, Dunivant enjoyed a celebrated career as a player, participating in over 300 MLS matches with teams like the LA Galaxy, San Jose Earthquakes, and Toronto FC. His accolades include:

• Five MLS Cup titles.
• Two Supporters’ Shield victories.
• A U.S. Open Cup triumph.
• A selection to the MLS Best XI in 2011.

Todd Dunivant, seen during his playing days, is NYCFC’s new soccer boss. (MLS via Getty Images)

Navigating the Future of NYCFC

Dunivant steps into a pivotal role as NYCFC looks to capitalize on its strong foundation laid under head coach Pascal Jansen during the prior season. Despite ending in a challenging Eastern Conference Finals against Inter Miami, the team aims to be competitive in the upcoming seasons.

His immediate tasks include:

• Negotiating a new contract for homegrown standout Justin Haak.
• Filling the gap left by the injured leading scorer Alonso Martínez.

Leadership Strategy and Vision

In November, NYCFC CEO Brad Sims hinted at the club’s search for a new chief soccer officer, expressing the need for “a fresh set of eyes, new ideas and viewpoints.” Dunivant aims to meet this expectation and usher in a new era for the franchise.

“I would expect whoever we hire to come in to want to dig in and look at things differently," Sims commented during earlier discussions.

Recent Club Developments

In tandem with Dunivant’s hiring, NYCFC announced the activation of 2026 options for several players, including:

• Nico Cavallo
• Tayvon Gray
• Thiago Martins
• Max Murray
• Kevin O’Toole
• Tomás Romero
• Strahinja Tanasijevic

On a different note, the option for veteran Andrés Perea was declined, yet discussions about his future continue.

Looking Ahead

As NYCFC embarks on this new chapter under Todd Dunivant’s leadership, the focus will remain on strengthening the squad and enhancing performance in MLS. Fans and stakeholders alike are eager to see how this strategic change will propel the club forward in its quest for excellence, both on and off the pitch.

For further insights and updates on NYCFC, stay tuned to their official channels and social media pages.

In conclusion, Todd Dunivant’s appointment marks an exciting new phase for New York City FC. The club will rely on his extensive experience as both a player and an executive to navigate the challenges ahead and strive for success in the ever-competitive landscape of Major League Soccer.