MLS appoints longtime league executive to run Chivas USA

Major League Soccer, the caretaker owner of Chivas USA, turned the team’s business and sporting operations over to longtime MLS executive Nelson Rodriguez on Wednesday when it named him club president.

The league purchased the failing franchise from Mexican businessman Jorge Vergara and his wife, Angelica Fuentes, last week and will be responsible for its operations until a new ownership deal is finalized. MLS Commissioner Don Garber said the league, which has been in conversations with potential investors for months, wants to keep the franchise in Southern California, where it would play in a new soccer-specific stadium.

Rodríguez spent 14 years at the league office, most recently as executive vice president of competition, technical and game operations. Previously he had served as senior vice president of strategic development for Soccer United Marketing, the commercial arm of MLS.

Before his time at MLS, Rodriguez was a club executive with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars and a member of the 1994 World Cup organizing committee for the Giants Stadium games.

“I am thankful for the opportunity and recognize the responsibility in what is an important season for the club,” Rodríguez said in a statement. “Regardless of the ownership status, this team and staff will compete on all fronts and we look forward to the challenge.”

Chivas USA will play the 2014 MLS season under its old name but will be rebranded once a new ownership group is chosen.

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